Silvertip Mountain Arm yourself because no one else here will save you.

The odds will betray you.

His heart was full of happiness. That was what it felt like to Mason. He had been seeing a lot more of Zari recently – she liked to hang around with June and himself and Fitz. He knew she had made Beta. This worried him a bit – but he was sure that when he was older he could bump her down and take the plinth next to Dad (or rule as Betas together…?!) . He had caught a couple of suspicious shifty glances between her and Dad when he or June popped in and out of the den unannounced, as they were now allowed out all day on their own if they wanted.

Mason was doing this today. An autumn sun blazed overhead, warming his wispy fur and sending it a glistening off-white. Only the muddy patches blended in with the ground – otherwise he stood out like a sore thumb amongst the trees and rocks around him. Dad promised that when the snow came, Mason would be cloaked in the perfect camouflage. Mason was interested to see snow, and it seemed to be threatened on an evening when sharp cold set in.

For now he was toastier than he had been for weeks. He trotted along a well-worn trail of the mountain near the borders, orange eyes drinking in his home, the occasional wag of his tail announcing his good mood.

And I will replace you.