Chapter 22

Adel’s question tore at Netya, dragging her between the pull of one fear and another. If she left, they would catch her. But what if they didn’t? What if Khelt let her go? She could scavenge food from the undergrowth like Fern had shown her. If she kept going east, surely she would find her way back to the forest eventually.

If she stayed, what then? Could she sleep comfortably knowing the violent customs the Moon People indulged in? If she crossed some unknown boundary, would she be the one whose blood was spilled on the plains next time?

The growls of the wolves intermingled with the cheers of the pack as Erech and Nathar fought. Netya’s impulse was to run, to get away from the horrible sights and sounds and put as much distance between her and them as she could.

“Let go of me!” she cried out, twisting in Adel’s grip. To her surprise, the den mother released her. Netya spun around, glaring at the older woman through tearful eyes. “Do you really hate me so, to tor