The eastern border erupted into chaos before dawn. Scouts had warned of a major assault, but Darius’s alliance struck faster and harder than expected. Howls tore through the forest as waves of Shadowfang wolves and their allies poured across the ridge.
Ronan stood at the front line in his massive black wolf form, fangs bared, issuing commands through the pack link. “Hold the line! Push them back into the choke point!”
Faith refused to remain at the estate. Despite Ronan’s orders, she had ridden out with Elena and a small contingent, armed with a reinforced fighting staff and the skills she had honed in training. The claiming mark on her neck burned with purpose as she moved through the trees, staying close to Ronan’s flank.
“I’m not staying behind!” she had shouted at him before they le
