‘Follow our own trail,’ I told Nosey. ‘We need to backtrack to that way through the fence.’

We came to an area where branches were broken and bushes trampled. I recognised the tree where the giant anaconda had taken Tiny. Hesitantly, I looked up to its branches.

The snake was still there, lying on a branch. Thankfully, it seemed to be asleep.

‘Tread lightly,’ I whispered to the others.

Someone was stepping on twigs in the undergrowth. I glanced around, trying to see who it was.

Stone had found us!

‘Stop right there,’ he said. ‘You must be this Wolf Girl I’ve heard so much about.’ He waved his gun around at the dogs. ‘And this is your pack? Amazing. I’ve had quite a chat to Fran about you all.’

I raised an eyebrow. ‘So she found her way out of the forest after we took down her squad?’

Stone chuckled. ‘You’re a confident one, aren’t you? Yes, she did find her way, though she might have left her pride behind. But now, unfortunately for you, this merry little chase is over. You will come with me and we’ll have a nice chat together. I’m especially looking forward to catching up with you, Rupert.’

I had to concentrate to stop my eyes from flickering upwards. The snake was just above Stone. If only I could wake it up.

‘We won’t come quietly!’ I said, then threw back my head and howled.

All the other dogs joined in.

‘Stop it!’ shouted Stone, as he raised his gun in warning. ‘Stop that racket!’

‘Okay, okay!’ I said, putting up my hands. ‘You caught us. Quiet down, everyone! And be ready to run.’

Following my lead, the dogs fell silent.

‘Be ready to run?’ said Stone, grinning. ‘You really don’t know when you’re beaten, do you? Now, if you will all kindly— erk!’

‘Go!’ I shouted, and we were off again.

Thud. I heard Stone’s gun fall to the ground.

‘Run, doggies!’

We ran and we ran. Soon we found ourselves right up against the fence. For a moment I worried we had arrived at the wrong spot – but then Sunrise found the gap.

We piled out into the field beyond. A moment later Eagle swooped down and released Tiny onto the ground. He immediately ran to Sunrise.

You’re back! You’re back!

Sunrise wagged her tail.

Yes, little friend, Sunrise said, as she nuzzled him. I’m sorry to have worried you.

I wasn’t worried! I never worry! said Tiny.

I chuckled, then crouched down to be with them.

‘It must have been very hard for you to leave your family,’ I said to Sunrise. ‘I’m sorry you had to go through it.’

Sunrise hesitated a moment, then pushed in for a proper cuddle.

‘Are you sure you still want to come with us?’ I said.

I am. I miss my mum and dad, but the cost is too great.

‘Maybe one day,’ I said, ‘when the enemy falls for good, you will see them again.’

I tried not to think about how long that might take. Was it even possible? The soldiers seemed to be in control of the land everywhere we went.

‘Let’s get this thing off you,’ I said, as I undid the collar around her neck.

Sunrise gave herself a shake, fluffing up her fur.

Hey, that’s better.

‘Right?’ I tossed the collar away.

‘Stone might still be after us,’ said Rupert. ‘If he got free of the snake.’

We set out once more, staying close to the fence as we made our way towards other trees in the distance.

‘Is there anything useful in the printouts?’ I asked.

Rupert frowned. ‘The trucks visited a lot of locations across a wide area.’ He looked around. ‘We could travel in any direction from here and find a place they might have taken our parents.’

It wasn’t good news but, as I walked with Sunrise at my side, I couldn’t feel sad. Not in that moment.

‘Maybe we still have a hard path ahead,’ I said, ‘but at least we face it together.’

TO BE CONTINUED …