We reached the west border in ten minutes. Too fast for a peaceful visit.
The forest was too quiet. No birds. No rustling. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath. My wolf paced under my skin, restless and wrong. Something was coming, and it wasn’t small.
Fifty wolves stood across the treeline, silver and black pelts gleaming in the moonlight. They stood in formation, disciplined and silent. Not rogues. Not a raiding party. This was an army.
At their front stood Alpha Kael of the Ironfang Pack. He was tall, built like a blade, with a scar cutting through his left brow. He’d sent aid after the attack in Chapter 20. We’d sent thanks. I’d thought that was the end of it.
“Step forward, Alpha,” Kael called. His voice carried without shouting. It didn’t need to. “We have a debt to settl
