muttering strange words into his ear. If he could see, he could hear as well, she hoped. “Close your eyes, my dear little fire. Keep them shut.” She pulled away and watched as the young pup closed his eyes, curling up beside Melena. “We musn’t tell anyone.”

Melena nodded, and looked out at the entrance of the den. “Not even Gareth?” Whylee shook her head.

“Definitely not Gareth.”

And as the two stared into the distance of the den, the orange radiance began to fade away. The sun had finally set. The prophecy had begun.