Aria's POV
The curse Silas left behind had turned every witness into arguing circles.
Damon stood in my study, both palms planted against the polished wood. His jaw was tight, his eyes cold.
"We strengthen every border immediately," he said. "Our packs cannot afford another surprise attack. If the vampires are planning something, I want our defenses ready before they make their move."
Across from him, Noah leaned back in his chair, his expression calm despite the tension thickening around us. He folded his arms over his chest. "And if they aren't planning an attack?"
Damon's gaze snapped toward him. "Then we lose nothing by being prepared."
"We lose manpower," Noah countered. "You would be pulling wolves from patrols, training grounds, and internal security based on a threat we haven
