They reached Kieran's pack territory just after noon, the sun directly above them casting harsh shadows across the land. The journey had taken longer than expected, delayed by their injuries… mostly Emerald's. Her wounds still ached with every step, but she pushed the pain aside.
William was already there, having arrived hours earlier despite his injuries, and he rushed to meet them at the border. His face showed he was exhausted and in pain, but his eyes held a desperate relief.
"Alpha Emerald, thank the goddess you're here," he said, pressing a hand to his bandaged chest. His wound was clearly still bothering him, but his relief at seeing reinforcements was evident.
"What's the situation?" Emerald asked immediately, not wasting time on pleasantries. Every second could matter. "Any new developments since you arrived?"
