Chapter 69: Giant Hounds Pact
The wind carried a low howl across the village.
Caelen stood by the well, filling a jug of water, when he felt it—a deep, cold sound that vibrated in his chest. It wasn't just a regular wolf howl. This one had weight, a strange echo. A warning.
He looked toward the forest.
Garin came jogging from the fields. "You heard that too?"
"Yeah," Caelen said. "Get the others."
Minutes later, everyone gathered near the gate—Zira, Elira, the dwarves, and a few of the goblin scouts. Tikka watched from behind the school window, worried.
"I counted at least fifteen fast shadows moving through the trees," Elira said, eyes sharp. "More behind them."
"They're circling," Zira muttered, drawing her sword.
Golems stood tall and ready beside the gate. Caelen clenched his fists, then raised his voice.
"Everyone stay calm. We don't know what they want yet."
A moment later, they appeared.