Damon’s POV
The forest was eerily quiet, with even the wind seemingly holding its breath. I stood on the southern ridge, eyes gently scanning the mist-covered horizon, feeling every muscle in my body tense with anticipation. The faint scent of smoke still lingered in the air, unsettling and out of place...like a ghost of past violence waiting to reappear.
“Double the patrols,” I said, voice rough and sharp. “No one moves alone. Report to me every two hours.”
Rowan bowed his head immediately. “Already done, Alpha. Scouts found tracks near the east ridge...fresh ones. Large group, moving together, but… they didn’t attack.”
“They’re testing our lines,” I muttered. “Waiting for the right moment.”
Rowan’s gaze flicked up. “Zac?”
The name scratched against my throat like rusted metal, a pa
