The forest was alive with quiet tension, every rustle of leaves amplified by the charged anticipation of Bloodstone’s pack. The night was still, the moon a silvered sentinel above, casting long shadows across the ridge. Scouts whispered through mindlink, reporting nothing… and yet, the sense of being watched grew heavier with every passing minute.
Crystal stood atop the ridge beside Dustin, Bree stirring beneath her skin, sensing what the human eye could not. Their offensive groups were spread along the borders, moving like ghosts between the trees. The defensive groups were stationed at the packhouse, bunkers, and hidden safe zones, their eyes flicking nervously toward every flicker of movement.
Dustin’s gaze swept across his pack. “Everyone knows their role. Offensive moves on my signa
