76: The Prophetess

Rune’s POV

I walked through the dense trees that led to the small wooden cabin tucked away at the edge of our territory, feeling the familiar crunch of leaves underfoot. The air was cool, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth, but none of that could ease the knot tightening in my chest.

I hadn't visited the Prophetess in weeks, and considering the mess that my life had become, I had a feeling she'd give me hell for it.

She was old—probably older than anyone in the pack knew. Blind too, but still stronger than most men. Her wiry frame moved like it carried the strength of three wolves, and no one doubted that the Moon Goddess had chosen her for a reason.

Even though she could no longer see, she saw through all of us, and I had always appreciated that about her. No one could lie to the Prophetess.

I knocked on the worn door, half-expecting her to shout at me before I could even enter. Sure enough, her raspy voice called out from within, “Took you long enough, pup. Thought you'd