The air inside the circle had changed. It was thicker, hungrier, as if the fire itself knew this next fight was not about dominance alone but about possession. Draven’s stance was coiled, golden eyes fixed on the young wolf before him. The third challenger. Ambitious, reckless, and smiling with the arrogance of one who believed fate itself had tilted in his favor. His name was Corvin Duskbane. Son of one of the lesser Alphas, raised on the promise that if ever Draven faltered, his bloodline would step forward to seize what they believed was rightfully theirs. And right now, with the pack gathered in breathless silence, Corvin’s gaze slid not only to Draven—but beyond him. To Elaria. She felt her tummy tighten from the weight of it. He didn't even bother to conceal it. More claim tha

