Chapter 11
“Alpha.” “Alpha.” “Where are you, Alpha?”
A cascade of pack pings struck me as the unicorn turned to gallop back into the forest. His tail sparkled, as if the Guardian had imbued it with cleansed glitter. Perhaps that’s why I wanted nothing more than to leave my duties behind and follow him into the wood.
Instead, I turned toward the factory and broke into a run.
Because the number of pings suggested I’d been gone longer than intended. So did the tone of the message from the teenager I’d put in charge of Rune.
“Butch wants to speak with you.” I got the distinct impression she’d said this at least a dozen times previously because she sounded bored. Her gaze skimmed over her watch.
One o’clock? Branches slapped and sticks stabbed as I picked up the pace, but the real pain ca
