The journey back to Silverfang was quiet; too quiet. Even the wind seemed to hush in respect for the storm they all carried within.
Every eye flickered, now and then, to the trio walking just ahead: Lyra, Beta Wayne, and the boy, the fourth one.
They crossed the whispering river again, the water unusually still.
After some time, Alpha Throne finally broke the silence.
"What is your name, boy?"
The boy looked up, hesitant. His voice came softly but clear. "Rael."
Kael blinked. "Rael?"
Ren muttered under his breath. "Kael. Dax. Ren. And now… Rael?"
Alpha Throne was about to speak, but Moira stepped forward and wrapped the boy in a surprisingly tender embrace.
"Who raised you, Rael?" she asked gently, her voice softer than it had ever been.
Rael hesitated, then whispered a name.
"Malrik."
A chill swept through the pack.
Alpha Throne frowned. "Who is… Malrik?"
Beta Wayne, now fully conscious and finally free of the cursed influence, answered gravely.
