A roar split the quiet night and shook the stone walls of the empire hall.
Nora rushed forward, her pulse hammering. "They're here. The northern packs. And something feels wrong."
Blake met her in the hallway, his face set hard. "How many? We ready for this?"
Drew came up beside them fast. "Talk quick, Nora. What's the play?"
Nora stopped and looked at both men. Life had found a new rhythm these days. Mornings meant getting the kids fed and dressed. Evenings meant empire reports and quiet talks. Old scars from fights before still pulled tight when she moved fast. Leading everything left her stretched thin.
"We balance it all," she said. "Mother first, then mates, then the big decisions. You two have stepped up huge with the kids. I see it."
Blake grinned a little. "Feels good. No mor
