Maya's POV
"No," she admitted. "But I can stop you from making a mistake that will get everyone here killed. These wolves followed you because they thought you'd protect them. Not throw them into a slaughter."
I wanted to argue, but something in her words stopped me. I looked out the window at the training grounds, at the wolves sparring and laughing and building something that resembled hope.
"Then what do you suggest?" I asked quietly.
"We keep building. Keep training. We hit smaller targets, supply lines, patrol routes, isolated pack houses. We make them paranoid. Make them turn on each other." Elena's voice was patient but firm. "And when we're strong enough, when we have the numbers and resources to actually win, then we strike at the heart."
"How long?"
"Six months. Maybe a ye
