***
Unable to process the words she said, Ty stood rooted to the spot in the tiny room. A weak gurgling broke him from his musings. He turned to find the witch lying amid the debris and blood. Dropping down, he cradled her broken body in his arms.
"She speaks the truth, newborn."
Frowning, Ty shook his head. "Why call me that, old woman. I'm a man full-grown."
"Not anymore. You are but a pup in the eyes of time. Your lineage has only begun." Watery eyes sought out his understanding. "Do you comprehend what I speak of, Lieutenant?"
Ty grimaced. His teeth clenched and unclenched. He had witnessed the wolf change back into Sonja in his arms in the wee hours before dawn. Time, reason and logic flew with the tingling and burning he had experienced as he clutched her close. The wolf she had been disappeared and in its place she lay as perfect as he remembered. Is this the phenomenon of which she spoke? "What now, old woman?" With the weight of the world on his shoulders, Ty searched the witch's eyes.
"Find her. She is your mate for all time. She is your destiny. I'll look out for you both." With that, Hortence slumped and expelled a slow release of air.
"No! Don't you die on me, you old hag? Damn you. Wait, come back. Auhhh!" He shook the woman's shoulders. Checking for a pulse, Ty realized she lived no more, he threw back his head and howled in utter misery. He needed answers. He needed Sonja.