The alarm bell rang before sunrise. Its deep iron sound echoed across the Silverfang fortress like thunder rolling through stone valleys. Wolves emerged from barracks and tunnels within seconds, moving with trained urgency. The sound did not signal an attack from outside.
It signaled intrusion. Ryker was already awake when the bell rang. Years of leadership had trained his body to respond before thought. He grabbed his coat, ignoring the sharp pain that still lingered in his ribs, and stepped into the corridor.
Guards were already running toward the outer gate.
“What happened?” Ryker demanded.
A scout skidded to a halt before him. “Movement near the north watch line. Two sentries were found unconscious. No visible attackers.”
Ryker’s expression hardened. “Alive?”
“Yes, Alpha.”
“Brin
