The mountain air carried the scent of war. Cold wind ripped through the forests around Silver Crest, thunderclouds heavy overhead. Patrol wolves crisscrossed the borders, torches burned on the walls all night. Every entrance was locked down since Damon escaped.
Trust? Gone.
No one believed in anyone anymore. Not after betrayal. Not after someone from Kael’s inner circle sold out Liana.
And now the enemy knew Silver Crest was exposed.
Down in the war room under the mansion, the air felt thick—like you could choke on the tension.
Huge maps covered the table. Scouts flew in and out, dropping off fresh updates. Pack generals clustered along the western wall, talking in fast, low voices.
Kael stood at the center, and he didn’t say a word.
Which felt scarier than if he yelled.
He braced
