A desperate howl cut through the night air just as Marcus's spy disappeared into the darkness. "Help us!" The voice was raw with fear. "Please, someone help us!" A young woman stumbled into the open, her clothes torn and bloody. She fell at Elara's feet, gasping for breath. "Who are you?" Kael demanded, instantly on guard. "Sara... Sara Willow from the Pine Creek Pack," she wheezed. "My Alpha sent me. The pups... they're dying."