Ethlyn lay on the ground, her eyes shut tight. Sleep beckoned to her, as she hadn't slept since the previous night. She had also run tirelessly after waking from a deep sleep, but the nagging hunger in her stomach prevented proper rest. Searching for food nearby, she found only a few fruits, which hardly sufficed for her wolf's appetite.

Hours slipped away since her arrival, and suddenly, the scent of blood wafted to her nose. Her wolf's ears pricked up, searching for the source. She saw the border warriors also sensing the blood scent.

Part of her urged her to investigate, but she brushed the idea aside. She didn't want...