It broke her heart each time she was forced to leave Druid’s Rise in search of sustenance. While the land still offered berries and a scattering of edible plants, a true hunt had become impossible within its boundaries. The tainted water had driven most wildlife away—another bitter challenge in a growing list.

Still, they were lucky. Meadows and a lake stretched not far from home, and though it pained her to leave, she was grateful for what nature still provided. It was her turn to provide for herself and her mate; he had done so much already, and she longed to ease his burden.

She wasn’t entirely sure what she’d find. The seasons shifted with a strange urgency lately, and nothing felt predictable anymore.

Standing in the open grass, scattered trees swaying gently around her, she exhaled, a breath caught somewhere between relief and sorrow.

With a shake of her head, she cleared her thoughts and lifted her muzzle to the wind. Several animal scents teased her senses. One in particular made her ears flick forward: wolf. It was fresh.

Her gaze swept the vast meadow, alert and searching.

Hello? she called softly into the open space.