Those who lost

They went by bike.

Samantha parked it in the outer layer, in a corner where it didn't look like being in the way. She left the helmets in the seat and locked the bike before turning to Amanda.

«Why park here? We have a lot of space in front of our home,» the girl complained.

«We can check the situation as we walk. You're safe by my side, okay? I won't let anyone hurt you.»

«I'm not worried for me... Just, it's a lot of walking...»

«Let's go, then,» Samantha said.

They passed through the circles, finding wounded and depressed wolves who barely glanced at them. Some of them were packing their things and angrily cursing the Alpha, while others just stared into the void in search of the meaning of their lives.

That was what a disbanding pack looked like. Still, Samantha felt bad for them. Even at the worst times, Norwich had never reached that level of despair.