Wapun Meadow grind to a halt

He expected Merrick to give chase - to run him down and kill him before his mother. Laurel was gone from what Riley could see, and as he fled he thought he heard Merrick pursuing.

No, not Merrick. The sound of his breathing. Wild gasps of galloping breath. The sound of dessicated oak leaves underfoot. Of somewhere, a terrifying silence collecting.

Merrick. That single eye would burn like a demonic lantern in the back of Riley's mind for months to come. Neat rivulets of blood came down his cheek, but Riley didn't notice them.

For now, Riley ran until he reached the gates of his pack.