“Man the sails!” the Chief barked, his voice cutting through the roar of the storm. The wind howled in the opposite direction, fierce and ruthless, as if the sea itself sought to keep them trapped.

  “Chief, that’s all she’s got! She’ll break!” one of the pack shouted over the gale.

  “I don’t care what she’s got. Give her more! Do you understand me?” The Chief’s low, threatening tone silenced any further protest.

  The werewolf nodded and sprinted back to the crew, rain soaking them all in icy sheets.

  ---

  Meanwhile, in the cramped cabin below deck, Nico huddled miserably. He wasn’t supposed to be here. His mother had begged him not to go, tears streaming as she said she couldn’t risk losing another son. She had already lost Micah.

  Nico had wanted to listen. He really had. But the thrill of adventure, the call of the sea, had been too strong. Before he knew it, he had hidden himself inside a barrel, heart pounding with excitement.

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  Now, he regretted everything. His stomach churned, and he’d already thrown up five times. How am I ever going to be a fisherman like this? How am I ever going to be a man?

  The cabin door burst open. A wolf stepped inside, eyes scanning the room. Nico froze, praying he wouldn’t be seen. But luck wasn’t on his side.

  “Young boy!” the wolf exclaimed, eyes widening with concern and fear. The Chief would not be pleased.

  “I-I can explain!” Nico squeaked, voice trembling.

  The wolf crossed his arms, waiting.

  “I… I didn’t listen to my mother,” Nico admitted.

  “Yes,” the wolf said flatly.

  “No—”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay, yes! But I’ll give you a million cookies if you don’t tell my dad!”

  The wolf sighed. “Your father will know either way. And I don’t care for cookies.” He stepped forward, reaching for Nico.

  “Wait! I know he’ll find out eventually, I promise I’ll tell him… someday. Just not now!”

  “You are a naughty child.”

  “I know,” Nico said quickly, puffing his chest. “But it’s the first step to being a man!”

  “It doesn’t work that way.”

  “Can you at least get me some food? I’m starving!”

  The wolf groaned. “The name’s Kael. And fine. Can’t have the Chief’s son starving.” Damn it, why am I listening to this child’s antics?

  Above deck, the winds finally slowed. The ship steadied, the storm fading into silence. They had crossed the border.

  Next stop: find Micah.

  But what none of them knew was that Micah wasn’t sure he wanted to be found.