(Kael)
I stand with Thorne, Cassian, and Rowan at the border as the first light of dawn breaks over the horizon. We're waiting for the Clearwater warriors to arrive. My hands hold Magnus's letter, the one that arrived before sunrise demanding our surrender.
"He gave us until sunrise to answer," Thorne says, looking at the crumpled parchment. "You sent your response fast."
"There was nothing to think about. Moonridge doesn't surrender to threats."
Cassian crosses his arms. "Magnus is confident. He thinks his rogues give him the advantage."
"Let him think that. We'll be ready."
Rowan points toward the treeline. "Movement. The Clearwater Pack is here."
I see wolves emerging from the forest. Not just warriors either. There are dozens of them, far more than I expected. They're pulling wa
