Chapter one hundred forty two

The Shadow of Knife

"Are you sure?" Hector asked, his voice laced with doubt. "Maybe it's not him."

Alina's hands trembled at her sides as she blinked back tears. "It's him," she whispered. "And he has my mom."

Silence fell over the group. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath.

"What do we do?" Andel asked, scanning their worn-out group. "We just fought a battle. Our wolves are exhausted—hell, most of them can barely stand. We don't have the numbers for another fight."

Dana whipped around, her eyes blazing. "So what? You're saying we turn back? Run like cowards?" Her body shook with fury. "You don't know Knife like I do. If we walk away, he'll slaughter everyone left in that pack house. And he won't stop hunting us. Not now. Not ever."

"No," Alina said, stepping forward. "Enough people have died because of me. I'm the one he wants—I'll go alone."