Silver Bullets

Xander

The howl echoed through the forest, a summons that couldn't be ignored. Kane and I tore through the underbrush, our paws pounding against the earth, our hearts racing in our chests. We knew that sound, recognized the urgency in it. Our pack needed us.

We ran side by side, our bodies moving in sync, our breaths fogging in the cool morning air. The scent of pine and earth filled our nostrils, the familiar smells of our territory grounding us even as our minds raced with thoughts of what could be wrong.

As we approached the edge of our pack's lands, we slowed, our ears pricked forward, listening for any signs of danger. Another howl sounded, closer this time, and we followed it, our steps cautious but determined.

We found them in a clearing, our packmates gathered in a loose circle, their bodies tense, their eyes watchful. As we got closer, the circle opened to reveal a strange wolf, his eyes a piercing green, his fur a mottled gray, and covered in blood, pain obvious in every te