"Alpha..." he called out and every conversation ceased.
Kade's eyes lifted toward the ancient shrine standing silently among the forest.
Without waiting for another word, Dakota struggled from his arms and hurried up the worn stone steps before anyone could stop her.
The interior of the shrine was dim, sheltered from the rain that continued to fall outside.
Against one of the old stone pillars, a tiny figure lay curled beneath a threadbare blanket of moss and dried leaves.
For a heartbeat, Dakota could not move.
"...Takoda."
Her voice barely rose above a whisper.
Then she was beside her.
She dropped to her knees and gathered the little girl into her arms with trembling hands, brushing damp strands of white hair away from her pale face.
"Takoda..." she called again, her voice breaking. "Sweetheart..."
There was no response.
The child remained completely still, her breathing so shallow that Dakota's heart lurched painfully.
Fear tightened around her chest.
