The days that followed felt longer than any war Heiko had ever fought.
He rose, armored in shadows and silence, and disappeared into the misty woodlands that bordered Alpha Jon’s territory — a stretch of land marked by the River Eon, a twisting ribbon of water so wide it mirrored the sky. The river was deceptively calm. Peaceful to the eye. But Heiko knew better.
Still waters often hid the deadliest currents.
He led the first expedition himself.
Three elite scouts accompanied him — wolves trained for stealth, speed, and secrecy. They set up hidden perches in the trees along the river’s edge, built camouflaged blinds beneath thick brush, and watched. Waited. Listened.
But nothing came.
Not on the first day. Nor the second. Not even the third.
Each day, Heiko returned home — his shoul
