~Kaida Orion POV~
The next morning, the sky is crisp and pale with dawn, we mount our horses in the courtyard. Lupus, Councilor Biat, the Moon Priest, and a small guard unit. I ride beside Lupus, ribbon still tied loosely around my wrist as a reminder of my bond and of Weaver's touch.
A hush falls as we depart, the pack watches us leave, and I feel their eyes....an entire clan placing hope on this mission. We ride through winding forest paths toward the river town, a humble settlement downstream from our temple. Mist rolls across the road as we approach.
Biat guides us. "It's just ahead, the water flows beneath the old stone bridge."
My heart tightens because the fisher-folk depend on this water. We cross into the town, lanterns hang low from shops, and citizens gather around the bridge, whispering fearfully.
A fisherman greets us. "My lady, Alpha...thank you for coming."
He hands me a small vial of green-tinted water, I peer at it...particles drift slowly, as if alive.
