(Aria)
The eastern border patrol station sat empty when we arrived thirty minutes later. Blood stained the wooden platform where our guards had been attacked, and deep claw marks scored the support posts. The metallic smell of violence filled the air, making Ember restless in my mind.
Orion, Octavia, and Kim spread out around me, their eyes scanning the tree line for any sign of movement. All three had worked with me for years. They trusted my judgment, and I trusted theirs.
"Tracks lead northeast," Orion said quietly, crouched beside a muddy patch near the station. "Six wolves, just like Thorne said. They were moving fast."
"How long ago?" I asked, kneeling beside him to examine the prints.
"Two hours, maybe three. The blood is starting to dry, but not completely."
I stood up and lo
