Derevko had woken up that morning completely changed. She sported wings of a firefly, and spots on her back portion that glowed and winked. Her appearance was new too, not just the bloodline, but that of her fur-no more of her prior colors or scales. The brown stayed, but it was as well mixed with auburn. She shook her head, looking at herself once more in a puddle. Who the hell wanted to be a firefly?
When she heard Achilles’ call, sounding urgent and rushed, she hustled her way to where he stood. Lazarus and Artemis were already there, and Derevko’s sister Chickadee, with her new wings, had just landed. But she was staring at Lazarus with frightened eyes-something was wrong. Derevko’s uncle and mother rushed in. Now Derevko could see the problem.
Blood pooled around Lazarus. Her injuries were grievous. What had attacked her, a buffalo? But as Derevko moved closer, she clearly saw claw marks, lacerating Lazarus’ chest, face, and stomach. “I was attacked, he was black with brown eyes . . . I think he was . . . with Tarben.” It took Derevko a second to realize that it was Lazarus speaking. Seconds later, Derevko could see the life leave her eyes.
Derevko loped over to her staring half-sister. “It’s Derevko. What the hell is going on?” Chickadee looked at her.
“Lazarus got in the way of a battle . . . she was attacked. All the other packs of Starfall have gone to war. It’s bad. We’re lucky we got out when we did,” Chicka murmured. Her eyes were glazed with shock.
Daneliya came up to her daughters, pulling them close as Derevko swiveled her head to see Snowflake dash into the glade. Snowflake had recently gained a hybrid bloodline, rabbit Morpha and water Elemental. It made her look stupid. But at least she was faster now. Though Derevko could admit she did think it was ridiculous to see Snow hop like a rabbit.
Not even the queen was here. Glory, was there really a war? The rebellious maiden looked to Achilles with a hard look in her eyes, one that begged for retaliation. She hadn’t known Lazarus, and she was still as self-loyal as ever, but she was also smart if a titch antagonistic, and she didn’t condone killing a woman who wasn’t even involved in a war; that was cowardice and stupidity. That was unacceptable.
Derevko glanced at Lazarus again. The spirit walker had Artemis sobbing over her body. The one her Uncle Remus had been getting close to. He now stood, a bit off to the side of the two, not knowing what to say.

“This woman will render the greatest power unto utter desolation.”