Chapter 21 The Storm As It Gathers

• The joy at winning was fleeting. Esker was still agitated when the sun sank below the horizon, throwing deep shadows across the region of the Northern Ridge pack. Still lurking was the threat of Lyla and her pack, and Olivia's dangerous ritual consumed much of his thoughts.
• Standing in front of the elders in the pack's council chamber, Esker and Garlan were debating next actions.
• "We can't let our guard down," Garlan resolutely said. "Lyla will return, determined as before."