The Alpha Council arrived before sunrise.
The forest had barely begun to lighten when a deep howl echoed through the territory.
It wasn’t a threat.
It was a declaration.
Three powerful wolves stepped from the treeline, their presence heavy with authority. Even before they shifted, every wolf in Darian’s pack could feel the dominance radiating from them.
Selene stood near the clearing and muttered under her breath.
“Great.”
Lila crossed her arms.
“You don’t sound excited.”
“I’m not.”
“Why?”
Selene’s lips twitched slightly.
“Because whenever the council shows up, it usually means something complicated is about to happen.”
That wasn’t comforting.
The three wolves shifted into human form as they reached the clearing.
The eldest stepped forward first.
Tall, gray-haired, and shar
