From the darkness beyond the clear-stone, the air rumbled again, the wind rose, and the rain came down in sheets. Yap whimpered and hid his face between Mother-Dog’s front paws. He had always admired Lightning, the brave, loyal dog who counted the Sky-Dogs as his Pack. Now Yap felt unsure. What if the Spirit Dog was angry, or scared himself?

“Don’t fret, Yap. I’m sure the Sky-Dogs are just play-fighting. No harm can come of it. . . .”

Her words seemed hollow now, but Yap wasn’t going to challenge her. It was better to believe that they were safe, that soon the Sky-Dogs would sleep peacefully. “They make a lot of noise when they play-fight.”

Mother-Dog nudged his face with her nose. “Of course they do. They’re the mighty Sky-Dogs. You wouldn’t expect them to play quietly, would you?” She prodded Yap gently toward his littermates, trod a careful circle for her sleep-ritual, and took her place alongside the pups. Yap threw a last glance outside, where water was hammering down again. He settled next to Squeak, who gave a small snuffle but didn’t wake up.

The wind howled, battering the clear-stone. Yap’s hackles rose and he shut his eyes. He trembled as he remembered Mother-Dog’s other fear—that the Sky-Dogs were howling in warning.

What could be bad enough to alarm the mighty Sky-Dogs?

CHAPTER ONE

Lucky froze, his legs trembling. Silence fell over the circle of dogs.

Alpha’s broad, wolfish face was unreadable. He drew himself up on his rock, towering over the two Packs. By his side on the grass was Sweet, the beautiful swift-dog, staring at Lucky. Lucky could scarcely look at her.

Little snub-nosed Whine’s tongue lolled and his jaws gaped. “You see, I was right! The City Dog was spying for the Leashed Dogs. He met with that one, the one who looks like him!” Whine turned to Bella, who glared until he cringed and cowered. “I saw them . . .” The little dog’s words trailed off.

Lucky fought to keep his tail high. He could not let it droop in submission. That would show weakness—it would be the end of him in the eyes of this fierce Wild Pack.

They were all waiting for an explanation, but what could he say? He had spied on them, just as Whine had said. He had never imagined, though, that Bella would use the information he’d provided to attack the Wild Pack’s camp.

Lucky searched the faces of the dogs in the circle.

What do I do now? If I show loyalty to the Leashed Pack, the others will kill me. But how can I turn my back on the Leashed Dogs? Bella’s my litter-sister. . . .