“Decades breed complacency,” Thoren replied.
We moved farther along the ridge, following the faint line of disturbed ground. The ravine below narrowed to a choke point that funneled movement into a single crossing area. It was an ideal place to observe without being easily seen.
“They chose this spot intentionally,” the acting alpha said.
“Yes,” I agreed. “They were evaluating terrain.”
“For invasion?” Harlan asked.
“For leverage,” Thoren corrected.
That word shifted the energy again.
This was not necessarily a declaration of war.
It was positioning.
We reached the crossing point.
The earth here had been more heavily disturbed. Not chaotic, but deliberate. Boot impressions were clearer in the softer soil near the ravine’s edge. One of the wolves crouched and traced the outline ca
