FIFTEEN | BATTLE OF BARREN BRIDGE

Atticus

He was reading about the Battle of Barren Bridge – the battle that had ignited The Longest War – in a limp attempt to distract himself from the news his lead spy, Griffin, had dropped upon on him as the sun breached the sky.

He’d had to hold tight to his temper as he’d listened; the first few wolves had been gathering in the field for training as Griffin had murmured low in his ear.

“The Red Ripper pack,” he’d whispered. “That’s what they’re calling themselves.” Atticus had been conscious of eyes on him – eyes that looked to him for guidance. He’d squashed his rage, and pasted on a nonchalant smile.

“Very well.” He’d dismissed Griffin with a pat to the shoulder, a familial gesture which he’d hoped had put the few pack members gathered at ease. It was