The pretty Tribrid mother led her three pups over the terrain, taking them to the pack meeting. “Mama, are we there yet, and where’s Daddy?” demanded the youngest, Grazia. Anabel laughed as she kept walking. “We’re nearly there, dearest girl. Your father is already at the meeting. I think he’s anxious about Queen Esmae’s safety.” She didn’t ever speak to Shadow about that, but she knew he was worried for the pack. With Kratos entangled in the web of missing wolves, not only had Queen Esmae lost her mate, but Dawnshire had lost its founding king. Kratos and Esmae hadn’t even had any children. If Esmae were to die, Dawnshire would have a real succession crisis, which would throw the pack into jeopardy.
Anabel checked over her shoulder to make sure Adelene and Noreena were still following. She then took the last few steps into the clearing. Shadow was there, edging ever closer to Queen Esmae; Anabel held a laugh back.

“So draw your knives, ladies, prepare for war. . . .”