In cycles past, she could only sense the spirit-bond of the pup through the ancient scrying mirrors of the Healers. But now, the life within her was tangible, shifting against her palms with a feral vitality that vibrated through her skin.

Hudson’s smile was a jagged scar of bitterness. He clenched his fists, the knuckles popping like breaking branches, before relaxing into a hollow resignation.

"The blood-scent does not lie. The pup carries my lineage," Hudson rasped, his voice low and guttural. "I was a blind fool, Avery."

Blake Donovan had finally unraveled the tapestry of lies for Hudson after Avery vanished into the Silver Ridge.

There had been a...