Chapter 15. Eyes in the Dark

Ronan's POV

The hooked-claw wolf threw back his head and howled.

It wasn't a hunting call. It was an order. From the north, from the trees where the sack-carriers had gone, three voices answered. Then two more from the east.

"Back," I said. "Now. Same way we came."

Nobody argued. Garrick hauled Ewan up by the collar. June was already moving, low and fast through the bracken, in the direction of the outpost. I went last.

My shoulder screamed at every step. I ignored it. That's what shoulders are for.

They're behind us, Thane said. I think. I can't tell. I can't smell them.

Neither could I. That was the problem. For thirty-one years I'd fought by scent first and sight second. In a moonless forest with greyroot wolves, I was a man swinging at shadows.

Then June stopped dead in front of me and grabbed my good arm.

"Left," she whispered. "Thirty