The journey from the Wolf Tribe to the Squirrel Tribe had taken less than two hours, yet to Aurora it felt as though she had crossed into a completely different world.
Asher had walked with them until the edge of the Wolf Tribe's territory before reluctantly saying goodbye, promising he would visit within the next few days.
After one last embrace, Aurora, Elixir, Reis, Kellen, and the returning Squirrel Tribe members continued their journey through winding forest paths, across narrow streams, and along the base of several rocky hills.
The further they traveled, the fewer signs of large prey Aurora noticed. The trees grew thinner, the soil became softer beneath their feet, and small streams trickled down from the mountains surrounding the valley ahead. Even before they reached their destination, Aurora could already understand why the Squirrel Tribe struggled to survive.
Still, nothing could have prepared her for the sight waiting beyond the last stretch of trees.
