EARLIER THAT SAME NIGHT - NORTHERN RAVINE
Karvesh and Velryn bent over the maps, finalizing details for the pottery trap.
"Two more days," Karvesh traced the riverbank location with one finger. "Darius makes the suggestion tomorrow. Elder approval the next day. Strike on day three."
"He won't back out," Velryn said confidently. "His ego won't let him admit he made a mistake."
Suddenly: alarm howl from the perimeter.
Sharp, urgent, CODE signal.
Both froze.
"Intruder alert," Karvesh said, already moving toward weapons.
The chamber entrance burst open. Guards rushed in, the she-wolf from before looking shaken.
"Alpha! The trackers we sent to identify the third party watching the village!"
"What about them?" Karvesh demanded.
"They brought someone. He says he knows you."
Velryn's pleasant smile faded. His hand moved to his blade.
The guards stepped aside.
A figure entered.
