The moonlight hadn’t even settled over the clearing before the atmosphere shifted.
Every wolf felt it — that cold electric snap that meant higher authority was near.
The crowd parted.
Four figures approached with the heavy, unmistakable presence of power.
The High Alphas.
The ruling council of all five packs.
Rowan’s expression sharpened instantly. Mine did too.
Alphas didn’t appear together unless something was seriously wrong.
Alpha Soren’s voice boomed first, deep enough to rattle the branches overhead:
“Enough games. A rising matter threatens every territory.”
All noise died.
No one challenged the High Alphas.
Not even Rowan.
Not even me.
“We received reports last night,” Soren continued. “A rogue faction has emerged. Organized. Armed. United under a leader who intends to
