Chapter 115

“Have hope,” Netya said. “Khelt will lead us through this.”

“It is not too late to turn back. The snows will only get deeper the farther we go into this valley.”

“Please,” Netya said, tugging at her mentor’s furs, “do not make this another battle between the two of you. Not at a time like this.”

Adel stared into the fire, saying nothing. Netya prayed she would listen. The pack could not afford to falter when their spirits were already on the verge of breaking. They had to weather the storm.

Rather than making camp in their sheltered spot, Khelt had them back on their feet within the hour. Daylight still lingered, and the snow was only getting worse. He understood as keenly as anyone that they had to make it out of the valley as soon as possible.

Dragging herself back to her weary feet, Netya joined the procession of wolves as they shuffled out from beneath the overhang and resumed their journey. The route Khelt had chosen took them along the side of the