Virtues are not conditional

From high on the balconies of Hearthstone, Ember had heard the commotion coming from down on the Shimmering Shore. The young Carpathian stepped away from her book and walked out into the warm spring air, looking about to find the source of the ruckus outside. The sight that she saw down on the beach shocked and bewildered her. Gathered on the coast, looking like lost vagabonds, was the entirety of Ethne. She recognized Beauregard and Haydée as they tried to organize the cluster of scared looking wolves, looking equally as overwhelmed themselves, and then she saw her father separating from the group, running with a purpose in the direction of the castle. There were so many of them! Ember placed her forepaws on the balustrade and leaned in, straining to try to hear the voices over the sound of the ocean so she could figure out what was going on. Had something happened to their home? Was there a forest fire or something? Was the Hallows in danger too? So many questions filled the young girl's mind, and only one wolf had the answers right now—her father.

Hurrying back into her room, Ember ran out into the hallway and began to rush downstairs to try and intercept her father. She could already hear his voice shouting orders to Mercury and Ezra. Something was wrong. But by the time she got downstairs, she was only able to see the trio of wolves as they sprinted across the gardens, armed for bear. Ember's run slowed to a trot, then to a walk as she made it as far as the garden terrace before giving up the pursuit. Where were they going in such a hurry and equipped for battle? So many confusing thoughts swirled in her brain, but no answers were left for her to find. She would just have to wait until her father returned from whatever it was he was doing to ask him. Hopefully, he would shed some light on what was going on and if she needed to be concerned. So, with nothing else to do in the meantime, Ember parked herself on the terrace steps, sitting in wait to make sure she grabbed her father as soon as he got back.

"Ember Carpathius"