The eastern border alarm did not stop ringing until sunrise.
Mira had never heard so many wolves howling at once. The sound carried through the stone walls of Silverfang Keep like a storm trapped underground. Every howl carried fear, anger, and readiness for war.
Ryker had left before dawn with the patrol commanders, leaving Rowan outside Mira’s chamber door with strict instructions not to let her leave.
Mira ignored those instructions.
She waited until the alarm quieted and the fortress shifted into organized movement instead of chaos. Then she walked to the door and knocked once.
Rowan opened it immediately.
“You cannot leave,” he said.
“I am not asking,” Mira replied calmly.
Rowan hesitated. His eyes moved down the hallway as if expecting Ryker to appear.
“The Alpha gave orders
