*Starblood pack, Early Morning*
The first light of dawn crept over the trees surrounding Starblood Pack. Frost clung to the branches.
Crystal squatted near the main clearing, her hands digging lightly into the frozen earth, trying to calm the nervous energy coiling in her chest.
Ryder moved among the pack members, his presence commanding attention. Ethan and Luca were nearby, preparing their weapons and gear.
Alia and Thalia stood close, ready to join the journey… they had insisted they would not stay behind at Starblood Pack. They exchanged a brief, tense glance, murmuring words of encouragement to one another.
The small company of warriors moved with quiet efficiency, checking everything they would need for the trip to the Shadow Pack.
Crystal watched Ryder carefully, feeling the
