35. Shadow Guest

Ivy

Lucia is still staring at me, not buying my answer, and I don't know what to tell her.

"No, really. I have no idea who that was," I say it again.

Lucia furrows her brow, looking like she's about to say something more, but then she seems to think better of it and nods. "Okay," she says, sounding skeptical but not pressing the matter further.

Ryder turns to the rest of the pack. "Let's all head back to the packhouse. We need to tend to our injuries and regroup." The other pack members nod and start to make their way back, some limping or leaning on each other for support.

As we start to walk back, Ryder turns to me. "So much for keeping your powers a secret, huh?" He chuckles.

I give Ryder a playful punch on the arm. "Hey, it's not like I had a choice back there. I had to use my powers to save us."

Ryder nods, a serious expression on his face. "I know, and you did an amazing job. But we need to be careful now. The rival packs might find out and come after us."

I nod, understa