Smells of the forest, traces of animals, tags of other packs ... Gray wolf ran through the forest, exploring the land. Nothing unusual - the familiar sounds of the forest, familiar smells, lead the forest. And - nothing about Diana. As if it did not exist. The border of their territory. The nose still caught the smell of burning, soaked everything around, but he could not help but feel the marks put by the new owners. Everything that used to be familiar to him has become alien. Yes, the immutable law - "the strongest wins." And in this battle, Vlad's pack was forced to retreat. But, for his wolves who had taken refuge away from these places, he was calm. But - Diana and Daniel ... thoughts about them did not give Vlad peace. He sniffed again: something barely perceptible and familiar led away towards the river. But it was too dangerous to go there ...

The wolf moved along the river in search of new tracks. The smells became clearer when the paws stepped on the stones, and before the eyes stood “Black Rocks” and the heart beat faster. Here it is - the familiar and familiar smell of Diana ... but ... next to her are wolves, completely different, unfamiliar ones. And ahead is a foreign territory. But there is no choice ...

With each passing hour, hopes of finding a brother melted away. Not a trace of his presence. Anyone who could help. Diana wandered through an unfamiliar forest and the hushed children walked alongside, tired and hungry. It's evening, it's time to stop. Having found shelter among the plexus of the roots of a fallen tree, they decided to spend the night here. As soon as the light of the moon slid across the clearing, new converts cubs rushed in search of food. Sensitive noses explored the world around, snatching the smells of small animals and birds. Fun fuss and inept pursuit of voles looked more like a game than a hunt. Having run enough, but without catching anything, they joined up next to Diana, trustingly nestling on the girl's knees.

Diana had already begun to fall asleep when she heard a quiet grunt somewhere very close by. Opening her eyes, she timidly looked out of the shelter, and the familiar glitter of the eyes made her bend over the children, covering them with her body. She looked at the approaching wolf, and in her all the stronger feeling of rebelliousness fate. The wolf pushed its nose, catching the smell of wolf cubs.

- I'm not scared of you. Take a step and I will fight you, ”Diana said defiantly, looking into her yellow eyes. - Do not dare approach and do not think that I will give up.

The heart shrank from imminent danger, in the soul of Diana there was a fierce struggle with fear, but the children ... She boldly and defiantly looked into the eyes of a wolf, and ...

The world retreated, concentrating in this look. Diana did not know how long this silent dialogue lasted: maybe eternity passed, and maybe only seconds. But, it seemed to her that images began to appear in her head. At first timid and vague, they were transformed into words, clinging to each other and intertwining, became phrases, and their meaning suddenly became so obvious.

“Oh, God,” the girl shrank back, glancing once again in perplexity at the wolf's eyes. - Not. What nonsense, well, it can not be like that. Probably, I'm losing my mind, ”- a shadow of doubt flashed on her face, dropping her on all fours, and she moved towards her.

The wolf retreated, grumbling. The moon lit a clearing with a fallen tree and two figures - a man and a wolf. All sounds in the night were silenced, and only they, standing opposite each other, not taking their eyes off, and were talking. There was no need for words. Each of them knew what the other was saying to him.

The wolf retreated and disappeared behind the bushes. But Diana sat in perplexity looking at an empty glade and could not recover from the feelings that overwhelmed her.

Fatigue was taking its toll and still, tormented by doubts, she settled down in the shelter, stroking the delicate hairs of the cubs. And again I heard the crunch of branches.Diana cringed, feeling discomfort when the wolf's face was very close. But what is it? The girl's eyes widened, and her mouth opened in a silent question. But the words froze, never leaving the lips.

In the wolf's teeth the animal carcass was clamped, with a bitten neck. The booty fell at the feet of Diana. The girl gently poked a dead body with her finger and an expression of disgust and torment froze on her face. She looked at the wolf, not knowing how to react to this gift.

The noses of the wolf cub caught the smell of blood and moved impatiently. A minute later, they were already sniffing at the prey. The teeth bit into the lifeless body, irrigating the earth with blood and impatient squealing, rumbling, contented champing, filled the silence.

The sight of the tattered animal was disgusting, and Diana turned away, grimacing at the sight she saw. But the sight of contented and well-fed wolf cubs caused a smile and gratitude to an unexpected guest.

Thoughts again brought her back to the memories, revealing feelings. Sadness and despair filled everything inside, turning into a heartache. Looking at the moon, the girl howled like a she-wolf. And hearing a painful howl, the wolf, stretching its neck, howled next to it. The pain receded, bringing relief, and Diana did not notice how she fell asleep.

Unclear noise, invaded sleep. The girl sat down, looking around. The sun was already shining above the forest, blinding. Diana rose, hiding behind a hand from the bright light, and saw the silhouettes of people standing close to the shelter. The children woke up and jumped up, feeling the movement nearby.

In front of a small group in the middle of a clearing, stood a short, thin girl with fiery red hair streaming over her shoulders. But not bright hair pulled Diana's eyes, but surprisingly familiar eyes. And an unexpected joy flashed a trusting smile on Diana's face. Who would have thought that there was a she-wolf next to them? The one that came along when hope almost disappeared.

“It's time to meet you,” the red-haired girl smiled, looking into Diana’s eyes, “my name is Elsa.” I think the three of you need to go to our camp and meet with my father. I'm glad you're all right.

They slowly walked toward the parking lot, leading a relaxed conversation. Elsa was thoughtful, carefully listening to the story of Diana about the events that have happened, which so strangely interweave the fate of people and wolves.

- It's amazing how you, after going through this, have not lost faith in yourself. I know that everyone has their own way prepared for this life, we call it fate, and we need strength to go through it without fear of difficulty. Each of us is afraid of something, but if you choose the easy way, you can get lost, losing both the goal and yourself. The main thing is to find the right way to understand what you are living for. - Elsa smiled, looking at Diana with genuine interest. - And your path is so unusual. You should definitely meet my father. He is wise and will help find answers to many questions.

The leader, a tall man with silvered hair, met them at the entrance to the house. Seeing Diana, thoughtfully and carefully looked at her. His face could have been called beautiful if it were not for the scar that had drawn a terrible line from eye to chin — the memory left by the battles for the pack.

“It’s possible that you’re right,” the leader finally said, addressing his daughter. - Everything is so similar to the words of prophecy.

He regarded the embarrassed Diana, with undisguised interest. The girl nervously shifted from foot to foot, not knowing what to do or what to say. But when she saw how the smile touched the leader’s lips, she smiled back.

- My daughter told me about meeting with you. My name is Stein. I'm glad you came. You can stay with us and find your home here if you want.

The voice was calm and ordinary, but there was power in it - unquestionable power over all who heard it - and the power that fascinated. And Diana, she caught herself thinking that she could not take her eyes off him, yielding to the magic of her voice.

“Have you ever heard the prophecy about the White Wolf?” - the leader has clung to the girl’s eyes.

- I heard. But this is a legend. A fairy tale in which no one believes.And who will believe - those who hunt wolves themselves? - Diana frowned, remembering the stories heard in childhood.

- You are an unusual girl. What happened ...