Growing army

As they walked deeper into the forest, the sounds of rustling leaves and distant wildlife enveloped them. The air grew cooler, the canopy above thickening, allowing only slivers of sunlight to pierce through. Tweety flitted ahead, occasionally returning to perch on Ethan's shoulder, chirping softly to signal that the way was clear.

After about ten minutes of trekking, Lia paused, her hazel eyes narrowing. She crouched low, motioning for Ethan to stop. "Master," she whispered, pointing toward a clearing up ahead. "Another pack."

Ethan followed her gaze and saw the telltale movement among the trees. The wolf pack was larger this time, eight strong, their sleek, muscular forms prowling around a shaded area near a cluster of boulders. 

These wolves looked more alert than the previous group, their ears twitching and noses raised as if catching a scent. A low growl rumbled from one of them, their amber eyes scanning the forest.