18. Zeke

The note did not lie. Shadowlands main line of defence was wiped out. A complete massacre. I noticed Finn and the recruits paling as we found the reserves shoring up defences. It had taken over a day of constant travel, but now as the afternoon drew to an end we found ourselves staring at devastation.

Myself and Briss simply inhaled, squared our shoulders and strode forward. Beta’s cannot crack.

However the forest could not disguise the realities of war. Thick, jagged claw marks branded the tree trunks. The fabric tents were either burnt or smashed to pieces, strips of khaki fabric tangled in branches.

Blood still stained the leaves on the floor, the metallic tang making Rush wince. Riley, a tall, chiselled young Beta who'd only just risen through the ranks dashed towards me.

"Beta Zeke! Who have you brought?" his blue eyes flicking towards the intimidating pair of Tucker and Finn. Tucker's long black braids and dark eyes brooded over the scene whilst Finn's huge size, wrapped i