As the sun slowly rises over the horizon, casting a warm golden light across the land, Cedar and Talvi stand side by side, ready to begin their patrol. Phoenix, the veteran wolf, watches them with a mixture of pride and apprehension. The air is thick with anticipation, as if the world holds its breath in anticipation of what might come. The trio exchanges solemn glances, each feeling the weight of responsibility on their shoulders.

"So you're both ready?" Phoenix asked, looking at them with concern. "Yes, Phoenix. We're ready. Let's do this." Talvi said, her voice firm and confident. Cedar nodded, feeling a surge of determination and strength course through him. They set off towards the border, their paws and feet moving swiftly and purposefully across the grassy terrain. The air was cool and crisp, a light breeze rustling through the trees, carrying with it the scent of earth and pine. The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting long shadows across their path.

"Hey Cedar, I thought it's best you stay in your human form. It's easier to move and hide in it." Talvi whispered to Cedar as they walked; he nodded and remained in his human form.

"What about you, Phoenix?" Cedar nodded, understanding the advantage of being in human form. "Good idea," he said, looking to Phoenix. "What do you think, Phoenix? Should you stay in your human form as well, or shift into your wolf form?"

"We should stay in our human forms." Phoenix answered, his voice low and steady. "Being in human form, we can blend in with the terrain better and move more quietly. And if we need to, we can use our weapons more effectively. Besides, our scent might give us away if we're in wolf form. The less we leave behind, the better." He glanced at the pair, ensuring they understood the reasoning behind his decision.

Cedar took a look at Phoenix and nodded understandingly. "Alright, you're right. Staying in human forms will be better for us." He said this, glancing around the forest. The trees seemed to close in around them; the undergrowth was thick and lush. The air was heavy with the scent of vegetation and the sounds of birds singing. The further they ventured from the packlands, the more cautious they became.

"Do you have any idea where we are? I am utterly clueless about this place." Cedar said as he looked around the thick forest. Talvi looked at him and smiled. "We're almost at the border. We just need to go a little further." She pointed to a clearing in front of them. "There's a small stream there, and it's our marker. Once we reach it, we'll know that we're on the border." They walked for another fifteen minutes, the trees slowly thinning out, until they reached the clearing.

"We're here," Phoenix breathed, his voice barely audible above the sound of the stream. He pointed to a line of tall, old trees on the far side of the clearing. "That's where they usually come from. We should be careful and keep our distance." The three of them crouched down behind a cluster of bushes, using them for cover as they scanned the area for any signs of movement. The air was thick with anticipation, and each of them felt their heart race with a mixture of fear and determination.

"Wolves aren't stupid to come here where we can see them." Phoenix whispered as he surveyed the area. "They must be planning something." He looked at Cedar and Talvi. "Stay alert and be prepared for anything." They waited for what seemed like hours, listening to the sounds of the forest and watching for any movement. Finally, they heard a twig snap somewhere in the distance.

"wait,"

Cedar held up his hand, signaling for Phoenix and Talvi to remain silent. He strained his ears, trying to discern where the sound had come from. After several tense moments, he heard another twig snap, this time from the opposite direction. The trio exchanged glances, their hearts racing with a mixture of fear and determination. They knew that whatever was happening, it was happening fast. Without warning, a group of wolves burst through the trees, their bodies low to the ground and their ears pinned back in a menacing display. They were led by a massive, black wolf with patches of brown. His posture radiated authority, and it was clear that he was the alpha. The other wolves, numbering around twenty, surrounded them, forming a semi-circle.

"They must be from the shadow clan; they are very old-fashioned when it comes to outlanders." Phoenix muttered under his breath as he watched the wolves surrounding them. "Keep your distance and be ready to run if things go south." He glanced at Cedar and Talvi, who nodded in understanding. The three of them remained crouched behind the bushes, their hearts racing as the wolves continued to circle them.

The huge black wolf with brown patches stepped forward, his body language relaxing slightly as he addressed them. "You are not welcome here, outlanders. This is our territory, and we will not share it with interlopers such as yourselves." His voice was deep and commanding, but there was a hint of uncertainty in it as well. Cedar glanced at Phoenix and Talvi, wondering if they should make a move now.

"We should book it and run," Cedar muttered under his breath to Phoenix, who nodded in agreement. They both took a deep breath and slowly stood up, their bodies tense and ready to spring into action. Talvi hesitated for a moment, looking back at the wolves. "Go, Talvi!" Phoenix snapped, his voice urgent. "We can't leave you behind!"