a safe place, far from the battle. The sun was settling, giving the sky a tone of orange and rose. They stopped near the woods. Luna and Balto appeared there.

- You guys lead my parents back to the mountain. The spirits will take them back to Olney. – the young hybrid told the huskies. – I’m gonna finish this.

- But, Dan… - Luna tried to protest.

- Just go! – he said last, as he turned and started running back to the fight.

Balto and the female ran towards the mountain, barking to call Dan’s parent’s attention. The humans were looking at Dan while he ran back to the battle.

- What is he going to do? – Paula asked.

- I don’t know… - Mr. Hawkins noticed the barking dogs. – But I think we need to follow them. Let’s go!

They rushed after the huskies, heading to the mountain.

Dan approached the battlefield, searching the area with his eyes for Ohanzee. A sound of smashed snow warned him that he was right behind him. The hybrid turned back, and saw the black wolf, looking at him furious.

- You ruined my pack! My life! – he shouted.

- No, Ohanzee, it’s you who ruined your pack, and your life. – Dan replied. – This ends now.

- Sure it does.

Night fell, covering them in darkness. They stared at each other for some moments, and finally they charged. They hit each other and started to fight more ferociously than ever, with more lethal strikes, decided to kill each other. Two wolves loyal to Ohanzee got away from the battle, and rushed to help their leader. Dan saw that, and after driving Ohanzee away with a head strike, he ran away. Tired like he was, he would have no chance against three. The black wolf and his minions ran after him. Dan entered the woods, with no idea of where he was going. He needed a plan. Then, he was forced to stop when he saw a big trench in his way. He halted to prevent himself from falling into it. He recognized it. It was the trench over which Balto and the sled team had walked before the ice bridge they were using collapsed. That was a perfect opportunity. He heard Ohanzee and the wolves coming, so he hid behind one of the trees nearby. The two minions were in the lead, with Ohanzee after them. They didn’t see the trench in time, and though they tried to bury their paws in the snow to stop sliding, it was useless. Dan heard their screams as they fell into the abyss. Ohanzee, who was behind, managed to brake in time, sliding until he was a few inches from the edge. He turned around to see the hybrid, who had left his hideout.

- Now I’m done with this game. This time I’m gonna finish you for good! – the black wolf yelled in rage.

They lunged at the same time, engaging in fight again. Dan was tired, so Ohanzee managed to get his teeth on his neck. The wolf tightened his grip, and thrashed the hybrid, causing him to cry out in pain. Dan couldn’t breathe, and his attempts to break free weren’t working. Then he had an idea. If breaking free wasn’t working, why not taking advantage from the capture? He pushed himself back, consequently pushing Ohanzee as well, causing him to hit a tree behind them. The wolf lost his balance, causing the same to Dan though releasing him, and both started sliding on the reclined ground to the trench. They were about to fall, but they used their claws to get a hold on the edge. The canines were hanging in there, too close to each other. Ohanzee was still blind of rage, and started hitting Dan with his rear paw to make him fall. The hybrid’s claws started to slip…

- Dan! – Luna called.

The female was coming from the woods with Balto and Dan’s parents, in a hurry. It would be a relief, but there would be no time with Ohanzee trying to make him fall. Suddenly, a raven swooped over the hanging canids. They looked up as they could. Dan recognized it as the same raven that had appeared after he fell from the cliff. Cawing, the bird made a loop for a new swoop, this time aiming for Ohanzee. It flew straight to him, and started pecking him.

- Argh! Stop, you… - he exclaimed loudly.

Only then he noticed that his paws were slipping faster, and before he could regain his grip, he fell. Dan heard Ohanzee’s last desperate scream as he fell deeper and deeper into the nothingness. Luna and Balto got close enough, and Dan’s parents helped him getting up on the ground, saving him from slipping into death. Finally standing over the edge, Dan sighed relieved. It was over. Ohanzee was dead. The pack was free, and his family was practically safe.

- It’s over… - he said to himself, happy.

He turned to his father and mother. They were just very relieved to see he was safe. They hugged him. Dan closed his eyes, knowing their opinion had changed about his decision.