Chapter 38

The journey to Clearwater began before dawn, with Arianna's leg stiff from yesterday's rest but manageable. Sarah had provided three volunteers—hunters named Jacob, Maria, and an older wolf called Grey who'd apparently served with Arianna's father decades ago.

"Your father saved my life in a border skirmish when I was barely twenty," Grey explained as they set out. "Took a claw meant for me, nearly died from the wound. I owe the Greystone line a debt I've never been able to repay."

"You don't owe me anything," Arianna said.

"Maybe not. But I'm here anyway." Grey's weathered face creased in a smile. "Besides, Pinewood's getting boring in my...