Guardian Wolf: A Scar In Time (Book 1)

Chapter 35: The Keeper

As the trio made their way back to the territory, the weight of their encounter with Zenith hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over their thoughts. When they finally came across Samson, the alpha's usual air of confidence was replaced by a look of concern as he greeted them.

"Welcome back," Samson said, his voice tinged with curiosity. "How did the patrol go?"

Echo exchanged a glance with Blaze and Chance, silently conveying the gravity of their encounter. "It... it was eventful," she replied carefully, choosing her words with caution. "We encountered someone unexpected."

Samson's brow furrowed in confusion. "Who?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Blaze stepped forward, his expression serious. "That mysterious figure... It's Zenith," he said, his voice low and intense. "He's alive, Samson. And he's not alone."

A hush fell over the pack at Blaze's words, the revelation sending a ripple of shock through their ranks. Samson's eyes widened in disbelief as he processed the news, his mind racing with questions.

"Zenith... alive?" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "But how?"

The trio exchanged a knowing glance, their expressions grim. "We don't know," Chance admitted, his voice tinged with frustration. "But it seems like he's planning something, Samson. Something big."

Samson's jaw tightened with determination, his gaze flickering with a steely resolve. "We need to be prepared," he declared, his voice firm. "If Zenith is back, then... we can't afford to let our guard down."

Samson's gaze intensified as he focused on the trio. "Did he say anything? Anything that could shed light on his intentions?"

Chance exchanged a glance with Echo and Blaze before responding. "His words were mysterious... And he was wearing a strange helmet, probably crafted by loners who've taken up blacksmithing."

Samson's brow furrowed further at the revelation. "A helmet, forged by loners?" he mused, his mind racing with possibilities. "That's unusual. It suggests he's been in contact with outsiders."

Echo nodded in agreement. "Yes, and his words... they were cryptic, but he made it clear that he sees Chance as a threat," she explained, her voice tinged with concern. "He called him a false guardian."

Samson's expression darkened at the mention of Zenith's words, his jaw tightening with frustration. "He's trying to sow discord among us," he said grimly, his voice laced with determination. "But we won't let him succeed."

Blaze and Chance nodded in agreement, their faces set with resolve. "We won't let him tear us apart," Blaze vowed, his eyes burning with determination.

Samson's gaze swept over the trio, his expression filled with pride. "You did well to bring this information to me," he said, his voice full of gratitude. "Now, let's gather the pack. We have much to discuss."

Samson ascended to his customary perching spot, a towering vantage point that afforded him a commanding view of the pack gathered below. With a solemn expression, he raised a paw to quell the murmurs of concern that rippled through the assembled wolves.

"My pack," he began, his voice ringing out with authority and assurance, "I know many of you have questions, concerns, and fears. I assure you, I share in these sentiments."