The laughter faded.
But its presence remained.
Like poison in the air.
Like a shadow stretching across the world.
Nobody in the clearing moved.
Nobody dared.
Because whatever had spoken—
it had frightened the creature.
And the creature terrified everyone else.
Denise felt the bond twisting.
Restless.
Uneasy.
The warmth she normally felt from Liam was still there.
But now something else flowed beneath it.
Ancient memories.
Ancient grief.
Ancient rage.
Liam stood motionless.
Golden eyes fixed on the distant mountains.
Listening.
Remembering.
The Alpha finally broke the silence.
“What was that?”
Liam didn’t answer immediately.
His jaw tightened.
The mark on his wrist glowed brighter.
Then he spoke.
“The enemy.”
The words landed heavily.
The oldest elder looked ill
