P.o.V. Moira/TrajanMoira and Trajan noted the look of disbelief on Callie and Carmel’s faces as they explained the options and asked the team for advice. It was clear they assumed Trajan and Moira would just be dictating the plan, not asking the squad. Annie, however, thought for a moment before offering up an idea.“I think we use Carmel and my skills at least at the start. If we circle the edge of the woods, Carmel can find where another team has entered and then I can scout ahead once we get close. If you and Callie can at least follow relatively close and quiet, we should be able to get the drop on at least a group or two before we need to rethink our strategy. What do you think, Carmel?”“Oh…” he seemed startled to be addressed by Annie and gave a hesitant look to

P.o.V. Moira/TrajanTrajan stood resolutely in the path of Sarah and her team. Once their group had located the other squad, they all circled up and decided on the plan. Jewel and Ginger would approach quietly to try and get a good idea of how she had her team set up. They would then drop back to Trajan and Carmel and decide on the best method from there. Carmel volunteered to go with Annie since they were both specifically trained in stealth, but Moira rejected it outright. Seeing the confusion on his face, Moira explained that he was the most valuable member of the team. If something bad happened to any of them, he would still be able to find the other squads, and more importantly, avoid them. Then he and whoever else was left could wait for the perfect moment to strike. Carmel was embarrassed by the praise and kept emphasizing how critical the whole team was, but Annie and Callie stopped him by

P.o.V. MoiraRich and Chris’s wolves were the first to emerge from the woods. Claud and Otto walked side-by-side with great menace and purpose. Clearly they had come to an agreement to deal with us before ending the brawl between themselves. Only four wolves followed so maybe it took a few minutes to realize what happened and some had gotten too excited in the collision.I pulled myself up to my full height and stood as haughtily as I could manage before letting Trajan have control enough to bellow in our cockiest voice, “Who wants to play King of the Mountain with me?” I smirked at his taunt and hoped it was effective. We needed all eyes on us while the others scattered and maybe we could goad someone to act rashly. I spread my arms wide and Trajan let out a humming sound that was incredibly grating.

NarratorAs the final group of trainees emerged from the treeline, those waiting to greet them clapped and cheered in celebration. All of the competitors, warriors, and even some family members were excited to hear the final results. The leadership and refereeing members had kept the events within the forest quiet to allow the participants to tell their own tales. A great feast to celebrate the end of training would be held the next evening so everyone would have plenty of time to tell their tales and could enjoy a fine meal with family and friends.Alpha Darren stepped forward as the group neared the crowd. A respectful bow bobbed through the wolves in attendance as they acknowledged his presence. Smiling at the emerging wolves, he paused as he took in their appearance. This set of combatants looked far worse for wear than those who had exited before.

P.o.V. Moira/Trajan"Do you think she realized what we did?"                         "No. She was too busy doing our hair and trying to figure out why we wanted her to fix it so suddenly, I think. Did you manage to contact Zira?"“Yes. She confirmed what we thought. Our mother is teaching Patrick how to subdue and quash his wolf. Zira says it has been years since she has been let out. They can still mindlink pack members and the bond with father is unchanged, but Zira is a little worried that shifting may be an issue should they need to.”                      &