The courtyard roared with tension as Rowan stepped into the challenge circle. Mira felt the world tilt beneath her feet. Rowan did not look at the council, he did not look at the crowd, he looked only at Ryker.
The torches cast long shadows across stone, and Nightshade howls echoed faintly from beyond the northern ridge, reminding every wolf present that external war waited impatiently while internal war ignited.
“Rowan,” Mira breathed. Ryker’s expression did not change, but shock rippled through the bond between them. Rowan bowed his head briefly.“I do this for Silverfang,” he said.
Carrow’s voice carried across the courtyard.“Rowan has been named as a challenger under council authority.” Murmurs spread rapidly, Rowan was a loyal warrior, Rowan was disciplined, and Rowan had fought at
