Three days later, scouts brought urgent news. Victor's forces had been spotted in two territories over, moving in Nightshade's direction. They'll be at our borders within a week, maybe less.
The pack mobilized immediately. Warriors took positions along the borders. Healers prepared the medical center for casualties. Non-combatants, mostly children and elderly, were moved to a secure shelter deep in pack territory.
I worked alongside everyone else, using my healing abilities to create medicinal supplies and my combat skills to help train less experienced fighters. I barely slept, driven by the knowledge that everything I found here, safety, friendship and purpose was about to be tested.
On the fourth day, Helena appeared at the border asking for entry. The guards brought her straight to Ezra, who welcomed her with cautious respect.
"I came to help," she said simply. "When I heard Victor was moving against The Nightshade, I knew I needed to be here."
