The grand council chamber of the Moon Palace had never felt so empty. Five of the seven Elder seats were filled, but the absence of their Alpha cast a shadow over their gathering. Elder Miriam stood at the head of the ancient oak table, her face tight with barely controlled rage.
"Three weeks," she hissed, slamming her palm against the polished wood. "Three weeks since Kane disappeared, and still our hunters return empty-handed."
Elder Marcus shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "He knows these lands better than anyone. The river washed away his scent, and he's been careful not to leave tracks."
"Excuses!" Miriam snapped. "I want results, not excuses. The longer he remains free, the more dangerous he becomes to our plans."
The chamber door opened with a creak, admitting a mud-splattered
