"The Wanderers grow stronger."
"They are no longer hiding. Taking young wolves to plunge them into darkness."
"Goddess protect us."
"If they can destroy Emberspire, who is next?"
"They will target all smaller packs."
"This is not a raid. This is a war beginning."
"Nowhere is safe anymore!"
"We must rally! We must prepare for war."
Galen took a single, heavy step forward. "Enough!" His voice, deep and commanding, boomed off the walls. The talking stopped and died immediately. All eyes turned back to the center.
Aveloria had not moved from her crouch. She gave Astrid's shoulder a final slight squeeze and stood. She looked at him. "So you fled."
Astrid nodded weakly, fresh tears coming.
"I wanted to fight, but I'd have been taken away. I ran. I am a coward. The memory…I see it when I close my eyes. I hear the screams…" Astrid broke down, sobbing. He covered his face with his hands.
Aveloria's voice was firm but not harsh. "You survived, Astrid."
