POV: Elder Thalia Reed
I slammed my walking stick into the bright purple barrier, shattering it like glass. At seventy-three years old, I might look weak, but my magic was stronger than ever.
"Hurry!" I called to the young wolves behind me. "We don't have much time!"
The children dashed through the gap in Luther's magical shield before it could reform. These were the youngest members of the Blood Moon Pack – innocent pups caught in a war they didn't understand.
Emma, the youngest, grabbed my hand. "Elder Thalia, I'm scared."
I squeezed her small fingers. "I know, sweetheart. But we're almost safe."
A lie, but a required one. No one was safe tonight.
The sound of fighting echoed through the trees. The Mother's followers – dogs with black eyes – were everywhere, hunting down those who resisted. I had to get these children to the safe house before we were noticed.
