"They're here."
Sharp and piercing through the silence of the trees, Kael's voice entered the clearing. His golden eyes sparkled with intensity, and his words sent the gathering fighters a wave of stress.
"How many? Luca questioned; his voice cool yet laced with steel.
Too many, Kael answered. Scouts report at least three times our total count.
They have camps close to the southern boundary.
Murmurs floated among the wolves, discomfort pervasive.
I tightened my hold on the necklace around my neck, its faint pulse a constant reminder of the strength of the tie and the danger it drew.
Luca remarked, his grey eyes closing: "They're not waiting for us to come to them." They are getting ready for an all-out attack.
"What do you have in mind? I asked, walking next to him.
Luca's jaw hardened as he turned to face me.
"We cannot allow them bring the conflict to us. We are done if they arrive at the pack house. We must equip them to fight for themselves.
