Chapter 3

We are currently following the patrol from the Pack of Rolling Thunder. But an unfortunate encounter sets them all back.

The patrol was walking along the border that they shared with the Pack of the Flashing Lightning. Fire had caught a plump rabbit, while a warrior named Mouse had caught a few voles, rare prey for a wolf. But winter was returning, and it wouldn't be long before the lush forest was bare and full of snow. Namara was at the head of the group, her snout low to the ground to pick up prey scent and tracks. She was just about to say something when a harsh growl cut her off. "And what do you all think you are doing here!?" A low pitched bark snapped angrily. "Just hunting, Severus. Isn't that what wolves do? If it isn't, please tell me otherwise." Namara wheeled around to face the large black wolf, his piercing emerald gaze baring down on the small patrol. Next to Severus stood his lieutenant, Freda. She paled in comparison to her leader's size, but she made up for it in strength and spirit. And a smart aleck mouth to boot. Swift's gaze turned cold as he spotted a third wolf emerging, one he knew all too well. It was Shadow, his 'brother.' Shadow wasn't his actual brother, and Moth wasn't his sister. Moth was just standing there, eyeing Shadow nervously. See, there is a connection with all three of them, but none of them dare to speak of it. Mothwing, the medicine wolf, had forbidden pups with Fire. Swift and his sister, Ember, were those pups. Mothwing had given them to Dove, her close friend who just happened to be pregnant the same time as Mothwing. Shadow and Moth were Dove's real pups, and they were made to believe Swift and Ember were their siblings. Shadow then moved out of the Pack of Rolling Thunder, but his sister Moth had stayed. Swift dipped his head to Shadow, turning away. Severus growled, a low deep rumble sounding from his throat. "You all better be leaving, before I skin you alive!" He barked sharply, anger flaring like flames in his eyes. Namara sighed. "Alright. Let's go-" She was cut off as a deafening scream split the air, followed by a mournful wail. "My pack!" Severus gasped in horror, running toward the blood-curtailing noise. Freda and Shadow raced after their leader, followed by Namara and her patrol. The group of wolves stopped dead in terror, their hackles raising and fur bristling. A she-wolf lay on the ground, sobbing near the edge of a river. A male wolf stood over her, trying to soothe his distressed mate. "Sh. Calm down dear. It's not your fault..." But the wolf looked just as terrified as his mate. Swift just stared at the surface of the river, eyes wide in shock. There, floating on the top of the still water, was the little she-wolf named Alana.