Chapter 31

Evlynne strands Wren at the lagoon, ignoring Wren’s shouted and telepathic demands to return. Furious, Wren tries and fails to incite Evlynne at range, then inventories the “gift” backpack and chooses not to call for help, determined to make it back unnoticed.

Wren descends the treacherous ridge, navigating unstable paths and spotting heartroot, recalling Uncle Jim’s warning about its lethality. She ignores a message from Gray and a telepathic link from Adrienne, intent on proving competence. As daylight fades, something stalks her; a young ridgehowler with a red eye patch emerges—the orphan from the earlier encounter.

Trust builds as Wren kneels, speaks softly, and lets the ridgehowler approach. Naming him “Prince,” she accepts his company while pushing toward base in the dark. After tripping and injuring her hands and knees, Wren concedes to camp for the night, finally linking Adrienne with a cover story about choosing to hike and camp, then cuts the connection before objections.

Wren makes a small fire, shares rations with Prince, and, in a moment of loneliness, tries to reach Cross telepathically; he does not answer. Prince curls against her for warmth, and Wren sleeps until dawn.

At first light, Wren and Prince continue until the wolf scents humans and departs. Back at the Dagger, Wren heads straight to the mess hall where Evlynne, Gray, Luisa, and Henley are eating. Masking her anger, Wren drops the loaned backpack onto Evlynne’s tray, thanks her with false cheer, and leaves, signaling she will not forget the slight.