Chapter 36

The journey to Pinewood began at dawn, with Arianna's leg still protesting every movement but functional enough to travel. Elena had grudgingly cleared her, with strict instructions to rest frequently and not to shift unless absolutely necessary.

The group traveling to Pinewood was deliberately small—Arianna, Marcus, Ruth, and two of Ruth's most trusted wolves, a mated pair named Daniel and Sophie who'd been scouts under Arianna's father. Bernard had asked to come along to continue his observations, which Ruth had allowed with obvious reluctance. Margaret had stayed behind at the main camp, claiming she needed to compile her reports.

"More likely she's already sending messages to the Council,"...