Just before sunrise, the storm finally let go.
Silver Crest territory glowed under that cold, pale light. Fog twisted through the mountains, making everything look even more haunted than usual. The warriors stayed posted on the borders, watching for threats after the invasions, but... for once, the land felt weirdly quiet.
Too quiet.
Liana hated it. That kind of silence always meant something ugly was waiting just out of sight.
She wandered alone through the upper floors of the Alpha mansion, the servants ducking their heads, moving fast to avoid her. After yesterday’s training accident, everyone’s nerves were shot.
Nobody wanted to spar with her anymore. No one came close, not even the seasoned warriors—the whole pack was unsettled.
News traveled fast. The marked girl nearly broke o
