The news hit like lightning splitting an old oak, sudden, jarring, and loud enough to shake the whole forest.
“Attack on the North Outpost!”
The scout’s voice rang through the war room, shattering the tense silence. A map fluttered to the ground.
Aiden’s hand tightened into a fist on the edge of the table.
“Send a signal to all patrol units,” he barked.
“Activate the second perimeter.”
“Yes, Alpha!”
And just like that, the room exploded into action. Elders shouted orders. Warriors dashed out of the hall, armor clinking and boots pounding against stone.
I stood in the eye of the storm, oddly still, as chaos unfolded around me.
Aiden didn’t look at me. Of course he didn’t. I’d spoken out in front of the Council, and he hated when anyone challenged him especially me. But this wasn’
