Kael’s POV
The night was unnervingly still. I stood at the packhouse balcony, looking over the forest as it stretched endlessly beneath the silver light of the moon. Shadows played tricks on my eyes, but my instincts told me that something was out there—watching, waiting.
“Alpha.”
Ronan’s voice broke through my thoughts. I turned to see him standing behind me, his expression grim.
“They’ve been sighted near the western border,” he said. “Scouts counted at least twenty rogues.”
Twenty rogues. It was a bold move, even for Ethan.
“Have the warriors ready,” I said. “I want patrols doubled immediately. No one enters or leaves without my approval.”
Ronan nodded, hesitating for only a moment. “And Serena?”
I stiffened. “What about her?”
“She’s tied to this, Kael. If Ethan is leading them
