Eflana

Prologue

The young girl remained completely still, not moving from her kneeling position at the chief's feet.

"Well," said the chief. "I guess you've finally done it. You've pushed us too far."

The girl's head snapped up, face full of horror. Her beautiful blue eyes pleaded with the man, though his face remained impassive. He took a deep breath, and then continued, "I thought you would be different. I hoped you would help us. But you have betrayed us, and we have no other choice." The girl violently shook her head in silent protest, her black hair flying, but the chief wasn't going to listen this time.

"Ylva of the Whyte Wolves, I hereby banish you from our pack. You are now a lone wolf trespassing in Whyte Wolf territory. Leave, and never return."

The girl stared at the chief in shock, eyes bulging. She was innocent. She was framed. How could they possibly think otherwise?

"Leave now," the chief growled. When she still didn't move, he roared, "Wolves, don't let this trespasser escape alive!"

That got the girl's attention. Tearing her eyes away from the man, she turned and dove into the undergrowth, with five of the pack's best and strongest warriors on her heels.

As every one watched the girl flee, no one saw a single tear roll down the chief's cheek.