Arthur stood at the southern ridge as Hollowmoon formation emerged from the tree line, disciplined and seamless. There was no frantic movement, or reckless charging.
That almost made it worse.
At the front walked Alpha Michael.
He did not look like a father searching for a missing daughter. He looked like a ruler calculating consequences.
Behind him came Rowan, the council’s strategist, and three elders whose presence alone tightened the air and Matt. They moved with the gravity of wolves who remembered stories most had dismissed as myth.
Arthur stepped forward before either side could misread posture.
“This is where the trail ended,” he said evenly.
Michael’s gaze scanned the boundary without greeting. His jaw was locked too tight.
“You crossed?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“And?”
“There’
