Greatwater Lake Synkverv

The “no” does not surprise her, though her reaction does. She sags visibly. She’s at the end of her rope. Will she ever find Eventyr or the others? She misses home. Elfenbenravn needs her, especially as they’re facing another war with Ibenholtravn. But the clan also needs her sister and the others who left. Her jaw clenches.

She is sister, Berserkir says in reply to the man’s question, glancing away across the lake as the familiar disappointment washes over her.

She doesn’t mention the rivalry or her sister’s cowardice in fleeing to the stranger. But Berserkir certainly thinks about it. Perhaps it’s best if she throws in the towel and returns home empty-handed. The failure will weigh on her, as will the shame, but both she and the clan will eventually move on from it…

Catching herself lost in her thoughts, she raises her head suddenly and eyes the stranger again. He looks a lot like a classic Svartravn, though she doubts there’s any connection. He’s just unfortunate, like all dark wolves.