Kael’s POV
War does not begin with blood.
It begins with meetings.
It begins with men pretending they are not afraid.
The council hall of Silver Moon Pack has hosted weddings, executions, treaties, and exile declarations.
Today, it holds a calculation.
Alphas from neighbouring territories stand beneath our banners, their scents thick with unease.
Westridge.
Iron Hollow.
Stormfen.
Three predators who did not travel here out of courtesy.
They came because something unknown is moving in the North.
And because they believe I know more than they do.
I sit at the head of the long obsidian table.
Serene sits on my right, and Leron, my Beta, stands to my left. I feel his presence more than I see it. Steady, watchful and waiting for instruction.
The murmurs quiet when I speak.
“You
