Page 44 of When Two Worlds Collide

“You want me to ally with your people against another wild clan?” This concept violates everything wild shifter solidarity taught me.

“I want you to survive,” she counters. “And help innocent people survive as well. Isn’t that what an alpha does? Protects?”

I feel her words challenge my fundamental identity. Analpha protects the pack above all else. But “pack” has developed an increasingly complex meaning since meeting Ember Steelclaw.

“I must consult my elders,” I say finally.

“We lack time. The Alliance council reconvenes at dawn to finalize containment protocols. If I propose an alternative, I need your answer tonight.”

A howl breaks the silence—one of my scouts signaling urgency. From the pattern, I recognize Lena’s voice.

“Stormcrow’s bears,” I translate for Ember. “They’ve crossed into our eastern territory.”

Her face pales. “Already? They move faster than anticipated.”

“They hunt at night,” I explain, already moving toward the sound. “We must go.”

“I’m coming with you.”

I turn to object, but she interrupts.

“If I’m convincing the council to target the bear clan specifically, I need firsthand intelligence. And if our packs cooperate, they need to see us working together.”

Her logic sounds valid, though every instinct urges me to keep her away from danger. However, Ember Steelclaw has proven herself no defenseless civilized shifter.

“Stay close,” I tell her. “Stormcrow’s warriors won’t distinguish between diplomats and combatants.”

We run through the forest, my wolf senses guiding us toward Lena’s position. Ember maintains pace effortlessly, her fire panther nature evident in fluid movement. Despite our dangerous situation, I admire her speed and silence.

We locate Lena perched in a tall pine, observing a bear clan war party moving through the valley below. I signal her to descend, and she drops soundlessly beside us.

“Alpha.” She acknowledges me respectfully, then regards Ember suspiciously. “Ambassador.”

“Report,” I order.

“Twenty warriors, moving in formation. Scout pattern. They search for something.”

“Our main camp,” I suggest.

Lena shakes her head. “Their trajectory seems wrong. They head toward the eastern settlement.”

Ember tenses beside me. “Clearwater Crossing. Three hundred people live there, mostly farmers.”

“How far?” I ask Lena.

“At their current pace, they’ll reach it before dawn.”

This threatens to become another massacre. I turn to Ember, whose expression hardens with determination.

“I must warn them,” she says.

“You’ll never reach them on foot.”

“I’ll shift.”

“Even your panther cannot outpace bears through unfamiliar territory.”

She meets my gaze steadily. “What do you suggest?”

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