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The parchment still smoked where Kael had dropped it into the flames.
Aria watched the crimson letters curl into ash, but the words wouldn’t leave her. Bring the fire-girl to the Hollow Court by the next Blood Moon… or we come for her ourselves.
The ultimatum echoed in every corner of the stronghold. By dawn, every wolf knew. The whispers that had stalked her steps before had multiplied — sharper, hungrier. Some were afraid. Some were furious. Some… wondered aloud whether the Hollow Court’s demand was the only way to save them all.
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Kael summoned the council at first light. The long table groaned beneath the weight of maps, warding stones, and untouched food. The wolves gathered in silence — Mira with arms crossed and a dangerous smile that didn’t reach her eyes, Marcus broodin
