**Ravyn**
The vampire convoy arrived just as the last of the children disappeared into the forest with Luna Stern’s escort. Three black vehicles pulled into the Northern Pack territory with the quiet efficiency that marked professional operations. Ravyn watched from the porch as familiar figures emerged into the afternoon sunlight.
Marcus was the first out, followed by Laurent and finally Cassian. All three moved with the careful control of vampires entering werewolf territory, their hands visible and their postures non-threatening.
“Seventeen vampire allies positioned at strategic locations around Valerius’s known routes,” Marcus reported without preamble as he approached Alpha Blackwood. “Victoria Vargas is coordinating from the eastern approach. If he tries to escape, we’ll be ready.
