The supreme dao

tative, but it didn't matter. The other children obeyed, gathering closer to each other and sharing what little body heat they had. Liam sat in the cent

wooden slats, his sharp eyes scanning the dimly lit woods as they passed. His senses were on high alert, it wouldn't hurt to know the raods and surroundi

but his feathers-thick and glossy black-were larger than those of the other birdfolk, a mark of distinction that had already earned him glances of admiration and resp

sn't about to show weakness. Not here. Not now. The other birdfolk had already started to cluster around him, instinctively looking to him as their

t stupid. He could see the way the birdfolk were gathering around Marcus, whispering in low voices as if that would somehow protect them. His bear-like hands flexed nervously, and he let out a low growl, more to himself th

ce they were loaded into the cart, except to Liam of course. Aric didn't need to speak to them. His silence, his unwavering gaze on the world outside, was enough to make the younger wolves fall in line. He was one of them,

tried to crack jokes, awkward and forced, while others clung to each other, whispering about what awaited them.

calm but commanding. His words cut through the murmurs, drawing the attention of the birdfolk around him. "No matter what happens, we're faster than t

drawn to his confidence. They needed it. Marcus wasn't the oldest, but h

massive form dwarfing Marcus. "Birds run," Gerian said, his voice thick and gruff, "but we fight

Their eyes flicked toward Aric, as if waiting for him to react, but he didn't. He remained still, watching t

y of confidence, piped up, "We should listen to Marcus! He

menacing. "What good are feathers against claws?"

though he hadn't uttered a single word since they'd been loaded into the cart. They knew, as did the wolves, that Aric wasn't co

h brute strength, but the wolves had already chosen their leader in Ari

asy truce. The cart continued to roll forward, and as the children grouped themselves-birdfolk, bearfolk, and wolves-the truth was cle

t bids for control, his quiet presence was a flex that re

led into one another as the road stretched endlessly before them only stopping for fire deep into the night and stale bread for the children. The terrain changed