*Val* Surprisingly, I made better time than I expected on my run to Bear Lake. It was most likely because of the sense of urgency that took a hold of me, but I still couldn't help but be impressed with myself. When I knew that I was close to the old village, I shifted out of my wolf form. I took the canvas bag from around my shoulders and quickly dressed. I didn't smell anyone nearby, but there were so many wildflowers around that I didn't trust my sense of smell. I took a moment to steel my nerves and then continued into the village. It certainly seemed to be abandoned. The houses were overgrown with moss and vines, and most of the wooden features, like roofs and windows, were beginning to rot. It was eerie, like stepping into a ghost town. I didn't remember the layout of the village very well, since I had only visited a few times when I was a kid. I headed in the direction that I thought the pack house was in. I didn't have high hopes that I would find many intact records, b

*Gabe* Estelle had trouble getting back to sleep after her conversation with Edwyna. We managed a couple of hours before I had to be up for feast preparations. The children at the school were entertaining our guests for now. I was fielding questions and finalizing the plan for tonight, but I was having a hard time focusing. Val still hadn't returned and neither had Charles. I tried not to think about the worst that could happen to them. I regretted not going after Val myself every second that he was gone. Lucky was holding up incredibly well. She was a strong woman, but I knew that she was scared. She'd told her parents that Val had to take care of a last-minute issue. Being the Beta is a big responsibility; I think her father was impressed, though he tried to hide it. Estelle was with Edwyna, discussing her vision in detail now that she was calmer. I didn't know if she would be able to identify the traitor. Nearly twenty years had passed since the night her visions took pl

*Estelle* I watched Gabe run out onto the street, helpless to stop him. The prick of the needle in Lucky's hand brought me back to the moment. Val needed me right now. As soon as I was able, I would go after Gabe. I could hear shouting from outside. It was impossible to know what it was about. So much had just happened. I looked at Lucky. She was completely concentrated on what she was doing. Being able to help Val when he was in this state must have been comforting and terrifying. I couldn't imagine the fear and pressure she was feeling. "Val," she said. "Keep your eyes on me, sweetie." "Where else would they be?" he asked weakly. Lucky smiled at him, but I could tell it was forced. Val looked so weak. It was terrible to see him like this. "Thank you," I said softly. It probably wasn't appropriate given the situation, but I had to let him know that I was grateful for what he'd done. Val looked at me and nodded. "I'm glad that I was able to get some answers." He la

*Estelle* I had been struggling to remain conscious when Giles had rushed me to the examination table, so I didn't remember much of what happened. My heart was beating slowly and it felt like I couldn't get a full breath. Lucky had rushed to my side, and I'd felt the punch of a needle being administered to my chest. I know that it was adrenaline because Lucky told me later. It had burned, and the way my heart had sped up was alarming. I thought that I was going to die. Thanks to Lucky, I survived the poison. She was truly a miracle worker. The knife was going to leave me with a scar, but it was a small price to pay for protecting Gabe. I had to stay with the healers for a couple of days before I was allowed to go home with Gabe. It was a little surreal being stuck in the bed beside Charles. He'd been unconscious for the most part, but it was still uncomfortable. Giles had made the decision to amputate Charles's right arm above the elbow. Gabe had crushed and splintere

*Estelle* The scent of herbs and smoke was strong in the dimly lit room. Edwyna had left me alone in the small ritual room. I had flowers woven in my hair and I was dressed in an elaborate embroidered white gown. I was sitting cross-legged in the center of the room and staring at a candle as it flickered. I was supposed to pick a spot to look at and clear my mind. Edwyna assured me that a vision would come, but she wasn't able to tell me how long it would take. I had no idea how long I'd been sitting in here. I could hear that the feast in the town square was in full swing. The sound of music and laughter was muffled through the walls, but it was present. I loved hearing the pack celebrating. Their joy made me proud. It wasn't as though all of our problems were over. There were still mysteries that haunted us. There were fears that wouldn't be easy to assuage. Now that we knew the Bear Lake pack had survived in the form of the Bear Island settlement, many in the pack were u