My heart’s an endless war.

The scent of betrayal lingered in the cold night air. Oath’s crimson eyes burned with fury as he crouched low, his two hawks circling high above, scouting for any movement along the treacherous paths of the Delta. It had been days since he heard the whispers about a group of wolves spotted moving suspiciously across the land: wolves from the same pack that had overtaken Judila, the same ones now rumored to have his brother, Abaddon.

His heart tightened, fury blending with fear. His brother was strong, but forced into slavery? Oath gritted his teeth at the thought. No one had the right to break Abaddon like that. He had to act fast before they traded his brother off, leaving him lost to some unknown fate. He’d seen enough suffering.

A soft flutter of wings drew his attention. His hawks had found them. One of the red-tailed companions swooped down toward Oath, its mauve plumage glowing faintly in the moonlight, leading him in the direction of the enemy convoy. They were close now.