Most woke up groggily the same way Irene did after only a few hours of sleep, but soon they were alert at the sound of her screaming something so horrible.
Felix especially was shocked when he opened his eyes to blood being sprayed on his face. With that, he was up with a start.
To his horror, Irene had stabbed a dire wolf cub until it was pinned on the ground and there wasn't an ounce of life left in the young beast. There was no choice as even the cubs started to growl. Even if they were harmless compared to their mother, it was part of the knights' and apprentices' job to wipe out these infesting beasts who often overhunted the forests and left nothing for the humans to survive off during the winter.
Everyone was on their feet and suddenly sharp as the thrill of fight rushed through their veins. It was part of the reason they slept in armor and with their weapons ready.
