The howl echoed through the forest, sharp and urgent. Dale and Juke sprint toward the sound. The undergrowth cracked beneath their feet as the scent of blood hit their nostrils. Dale’s chest tightened as the sound grew louder, more desperate.
“There,” Juke said, pointing to a figure slumped near the base of an old oak.
An injured scout, his fur matted with blood, shifted weakly into his human form. “Arif’s wolves,” the scout rasped, his voice hoarse. “Near the border... rallying.”
Juke crouched beside him, his eyes narrowing. “Are they preparing to attack?”
The scout nodded. “Not just attack—he wants to divide us, use our fears of the unknown to force Jared’s hand.”
Juke glanced at Dale, his jaw tight. “We need to get this information to my father. Now.” He patted the scout’s shoulder. “I have mind-linked for help. Someone will be here to take care of you soon. Why did you not mind-link for help?”
“At first, I was out of range—then I got hit with a poisonous dart. The drug stops me fr
