The Bracken Woods ride on through the night ride on

Lyahal, she repeated in her head, alias: Rook. But her thoughts scattered completely when the woman mentioned Maudlin's alternative name: Magpie. She was fully awake now, amber eyes widening and lips parting in surprise. Not only was it startling to hear her aunt's name after such a long time, it quickly dawned on Wildfire that that made Rook a blood relative via Fox.

"It's a small world after all," the yearling murmured, then explained, "If your Magpie's my Magpie, that makes us relatives. Did she look the part?" After waiting for confirmation, Wildfire's face drew into a somewhat pensive look. "Magpie actually lived here—well, in my pack nearby—up until she vanished a couple of months ago. I don't know where she went." She paused. "I suppose it's possible she might have gone to the caldera." Honestly, though, it seemed unlikely.

All the same, Wildfire took the time to describe the best route from here to caldera and wished the woman luck on locating Magpie. "If you do find her there—or wherever—could you tell her that I'd love to see her again someday?" was the yearling's parting request before Rook headed off on her search and Wildfire shook off the last dregs of sleepiness and set off to hunt.