Kael crossed the Whispering Wilds. Past the silver trees, he found a crystal stream. A wolf from beyond the border sat beside it.
The stranger's fur shimmered like moonlight on water. Kael dipped his paw in the stream to touch the stranger's paw.
The stranger pulled a glowing blue stone from the water. It hummed softly. Kael let out a happy little howl.
The elders gathered. 'No one from beyond the border can stay,' said the eldest wolf. Kael's ears flattened.
Kael stepped between the elders and the stranger. He nudged the blue stone toward the pack, and it pulsed brighter.
The elder wolves huffed, then fell quiet. Their grumpy faces softened at last.
The stranger stepped forward. Kael walked beside him into the circle of silver trees.
The pack elders watched them go. One by one, they followed into the silver circle.
The blue stone hovered above the circle, casting dancing light on every face.
Kael sat beside the stranger in the heart of the Whispering Wilds. They were pack now.