The fortress was never truly quiet. Even at night, the distant howls of patrol wolves drifted through the walls, punctuated by the steady rhythm of boots across stone and the low hum of warriors’ voices. But on that morning, the peace shattered.
The alarm bell rang—three sharp tolls that echoed through every chamber. Crisis.
Kaelen was already moving before his guards burst into his study. His golden eyes flashed, his wolf pacing within. “What happened?”
“An ambush, my King,” the commander reported, breathless. “Rogues near the southern patrol route. Several warriors gravely wounded. They’ve been brought back inside the walls.”
Kaelen strode from the room, his cape snapping at his heels. Selene hurried to follow, her jeweled gown whispering against the stone. “My King, perhaps you shou
