Chapter 38
An Alliance Forged in Moonlight
No one spoke.
The bloodstained message passed from Kael's hand to Elder Rowan's.
The old wolf's face lost all color.
His fingers trembled.
"I prayed I would never read these words again."
Kael looked at him sharply.
"You've heard of the First Circle?"
Rowan nodded slowly.
"I was only a pup when my grandfather spoke of them."
The council gathered closer.
"The Crimson Order was never truly one organization."
He looked around the silent valley.
"It was divided into seven circles."
He drew a slow breath.
"The First Circle did not hunt wolves."
His voice became barely audible.
"They hunted kings."
A heavy silence settled over everyone.
Draven folded his arms despite the pain in his ribs.
"And queens."
Rowan nodded.
"Yes."
His ga
