The forest had changed again.
Not physically—at least not yet.
But the air carried a strange tension that hadn’t been there before.
News of the northern packs moving south had spread quickly through Darian’s territory. Wolves patrolled the borders more frequently now, their senses alert for any unfamiliar scent.
The peace after the battle had been short-lived.
Lila stood outside the cabin, watching the distant treeline.
The wind was colder tonight.
Sharper.
She could feel Darian approaching before she heard him.
The bond made it impossible to miss.
“You’re doing that thing again,” he said behind her.
She didn’t turn.
“What thing?”
“Thinking too much.”
Lila sighed softly.
“The council’s warning wasn’t exactly comforting.”
“No.”
He stepped beside her, his shoulder brushing l
