The moon was just beginning to fade from the sky when Alaric stood at the center of the great lodge, its tall beams carved with centuries of Crescent Moon Pack history. The long table that stretched across the room had been hastily cleared and polished, and lanterns glowed softly against the encroaching dawn.
Outside, frost clung to the ground, and the scent of pine was crisp on the air. Inside, the heat from the central hearth warmed the room but could not chase away the tension that had begun to build like a storm cloud.
One by one, the most powerful wolves of Crescent Moon arrived.
Elder Clementine, cloaked in deep indigo and smelling faintly of cedar, entered first with calm authority. Elder Thorn stood at her side, arms crossed and jaw tight. A moment later, Elder Gale swept in wit
