Issahil

Hayden and Tom's group moved first, towards the main entrance. My father and his group moved next, disappearing into the northern woods, and then, my group moved next, slipping through the shadows towards the western entrance. 

I stayed close to Alpha Matthias as we moved silently, my heart pounding erratically against my ribcage. 

The forest pathway to the western entrance was  narrow and surrounded by thick underbrush and towering trees. 

Alpha Matthias paused, holding up a hand to signal our group to halt. So, we did. 

I could hear the low murmur of voices and the occasional clink of metal —the sounds of guards stationed at the entrance, conversing...