Page 64 of Oath of Revenge

“Then yes, the druid knows. How does the tribe feel about alpha’s absence and Brody’s leadership?”

The Growler licked its lips, but didn’t answer, golden eyes wide. Scarlet applied more pressure, and magic swirled under her.

She couldn’t watch the morphing features but she held onto the arms and legs with a firm grip. When she felt the wiggling and warmth of magic stop, she opened her eyes.

A youthful girl stared up at her with tears in her eyes. Black hair was spread on the ground with pine needles, and one of her wolf’s ears was flopped over, slightly twitching. She was like a hairy human girl, but with a fur-covered nose and pointed animal ears.

The girl sobbed, “Brody says alpha Wulfric is dead. The Elders aren’t happy. Please, don’t hurt me.” The words broke on another sob, and Scarlet frowned.

“I’m only going to hurt you if you move without my permission. Don’t move unless I say to move, understand? If you do, it’ll be the last action you take.”

The girl’s jaw dropped as she blanched but she nodded, tears pouring down her temples into black hair. Scarlet eased back, crouching in front of her with daggers ready. The girl’s face began to crumple as her mouth opened to suck in more air, preparing to cry, but Scarlet had to stop her. The sound might attract others.

“Hush and sit up slowly. Cover yourself.” Scarlet said softly, expanding her senses and feeling no one else nearby. The girl did so, covering her breasts and bringing her knees up protectively as she hid her face in her hands.

“Now, I’m not going to hurt you, but there’s more that I need to know. You’re going to answer all my questions. Yes?”

The girl nodded, wiping her tears and nose. Quickly, Scarlet grilled her with question after question. Wulfric had been right about the situation. Brody had taken over, but the girl didn’t know much.

Young adults were apparently focused on their first shifts, the opposite sex, and the upcoming full moon run tomorrow night.

“What are you doing out here? This is outside of the camp’s perimeters.” Scarlet spoke with the weight of authority. She didn’t doubt what Wulfric had said.

The girl nodded again. “Yes, my dad is on outside watch, but I was going to meet some friends. There’s a popular spot to the east, a small set of ruins.”

“Ruins? The ones by the cliffs and the Southern Road?” Scarlet asked, remembering when she’d gone there with her grandma as a child. It had been a year after her mom had been killed, and Grandma had simply walked through the forest like she’d owned the place.

Scarlet had been terrified, despite Grandma’s reassurances.

Her jaw clenched as the girl nodded, ducking her head to stare at the ground.

“Like those, but smaller. In the forest. It’s where we go to escape the adults and meet the other tribes’ youths.”

Scarlet tossed her dagger, catching it easily as she thought. The girl watched her warily, scooting back inch by inch slowly.

Scarlet didn’t stop her as she spread her senses once more to check their surroundings. No one, not even Wulfric. He should’ve come back by now. He was only supposed to find information, but she had a sinking suspicion that he had continued on into the heart of camp.

Stupid Growler. He was the one who’d said they’d be stronger together.

“What’s your name, girl?” Scarlet asked as she stood.

The girl froze, then whispered, “Sasha.”

Scarlet offered her a hand, but she just stared at it. “Here’s the deal, Sasha. You’re going to take me to your father and convince him not to attack me. I have more questions.”

Sasha scrambled to her feet without taking Scarlet’s hand. “But I’m not supposed to be out here. My friends—“

“Will respect you for helping the druid’s kin. You can tell your parents you heard me calling to you if you’d like.”

“Can—can you do that?” Sasha asked, fear tinging her voice as she bounced from foot to foot.

Scarlet smiled and spun her dagger but didn’t answer the question. Sasha whimpered once more, eyes watching the blade, and nodded before stepping away.

“Don’t attract the attention of the other guards. Only your father,” Scarlet warned.

The girl didn’t turn her back fully to Scarlet but still led her through the trees. Scarlet left their bags where they were.

If she had to fight her way out, they’d only slow her down.