The forest didn’t feel quiet.
It felt held — like every tree, every leaf, every breath of wind was waiting for something to happen.
Lyra stood outside the Alpha House, her aura still humming faintly from the imprint severing. Mira paced beside her, muttering under her breath.
Kayden emerged from the doorway, already tense, already focused. His eyes found Lyra instantly.
“You cut him off,” he said. “And he felt it.”
Lyra swallowed. “He’s going to retaliate.”
Kayden nodded. “He already has.”
Mira stopped pacing. “What happened?”
Kayden motioned for them to follow. “The southern patrol found something.”
Lyra’s wolf bristled.
They moved through the forest quickly, weaving between trees until they reached a clearing where several Shadowpeak wolves stood in a tight circle.
Kayden step
