Alpha Ryder arrived with the dawn.
He was younger than Sera expected — mid-thirties, lean, with a scar that ran from his left temple to his jaw. He moved like someone who'd spent his whole life being underestimated. His pack had no territory worth mentioning, no treasury to speak of, but he carried himself like a man who answered to no one.
"Alpha Ryder of Shadow Pine Pack." He inclined his head to Dax. Then to Sera. "And Lady Sera Vale. I've been waiting a long time to meet you."
Sera noticed he didn't say *former Luna*. Didn't reference her exile. Just her name, clean and whole.
"Thank you for coming," Dax said.
"I didn't come for you." Ryder's eyes stayed on Sera. "I came for her. For the blood she carries."
The room went quiet.
Sera felt Dax stiffen beside her.
"You know what L
