WREN'S POV
The Blackclaw territory was nothing like I imagined. The forest surrounding it was dense and dark, its towering trees casting long shadows that seemed to whisper secrets as we passed. Hunter rode beside me, his expression unreadable, but I could feel the tension radiating off him.
Blackclaw had always been an enigma. Isolated and fiercely independent, their pack rarely involved itself in alliances or outside conflicts. That they’d agreed to meet us at all was a miracle in itself, but I couldn’t ignore the unease growing in my chest.
“Stay close,” Hunter said, his voice low but firm. “Blackclaw’s Alpha is known for his games. We can’t afford to show any weakness.”
The Blackclaw pack’s territory, although shadowy and vague, started to come into view. A fortress of stone and ir
