Book 3 -25-

[War Is Ugly]

MALIK

I kept hearing my father’s warnings as we moved through the woods. My father went on ahead, leading one team into their territory. Owen led the second team, coming in from the eastern border, whereas my uncle, Gilbert, was leading the third team, taking the northern border.

Meanwhile, working in pairs, Aaron, Brandon, Antonio, and I were each keeping an eye out for signs of wolves trying to flee their impending doom. My heart hammered in my chest as I scanned the tree line, searching for a sliver of fur or other telltale signs of movement.

Suddenly, I heard a branch snap. My head perked up, and I saw movement in the bushes ahead of us. Without waiting to see what it was, I shouted a warning to the others, then took off at a run towards it.

I zigged and zagged through the forest with my bow and arrow—compliments to Owen for teaching me how to use it—along with my backpack of silver beads and other weapons slamming against my back. With the adrenaline surging t