The sky was calm. Too calm.
Alex stood on the ridge, staring at the horizon. The sun was setting, painting the clouds in shades of orange and red. Peaceful. Beautiful. But something felt wrong.
He'd been feeling it for days. A presence at the edge of his senses. A power that was ancient and patient. Waiting.
"You've noticed it too," Sebastian said, appearing beside him.
Alex nodded. "Something's coming. Something different from what we've faced before."
"Not a monster. Not a god." Sebastian's voice was quiet. "Something else."
Alex turned to face him. "What?"
Sebastian was silent for a long moment. Then he said, "A challenge. A trial. The Alpha's Trial."
Alex felt a chill run down his spine. "What is it?"
"An ancient tradition. The oldest of the Alpha traditions. When a new Alpha
