"Stay alert," he said. "They could come back."
No one argued.
The confidence that had surged during the exchange hadn't fully settled yet. A few students glanced toward where the third beast had disappeared, their expressions tightening slightly.
"They won't"
It was Ronan who spoke this time.
Darius turned slightly. "You're certain?"
He knew of Ronan's reputation, of course, but he still treated his words with respect.
"They were probing," he said. "Testing response. Once they understood the difference in strength, there's no reason to commit further."
"They could have been probing for their leader, and could come back with a larger group."
"Those are southeastern dire wolves," Ronan said, pointing to where one was dead. "They travel in small groups, and they like to test prey by attacking, retreating, then attacking again when the prey is weakened. We killed two of them; I doubt the last one will come back."
