The horn’s echo had barely faded when chaos erupted. Wolves scrambled, claws scraping stone, teeth bared in sharp anticipation. Thorn’s command cut through the din like a blade.
“Positions! Every gate sealed! Scouts, report!”
Kalen moved like a shadow along the walls, snapping orders to the younger wolves. His eyes, still fixed on me, flickered with suspicion—and something darker, a simmering anger that didn’t hide.
I stayed close to Thorn, my hand still pressed against his. Shadows coiled around my ankles, restless and hungry. Every instinct screamed that this was no ordinary attack.
From the southern gate, a scout’s frantic voice called out. “Multiple shapes! They’re fast… not entirely wolves!”
Thorn’s growl vibrated through the hall. “Describe them!”
“They’re… twisted. Limbs bend
