Aria was in the great hall, a cup of tea warming her hands, when the young warrior burst through the doors. His tunic was torn. His face was streaked with dirt. He had run through the night to deliver his report, and the words came out in a single breathless rush.
"Alpha. There’s an unusual rogue activity near the northern border. Multiple camps spotted in the last two days. They're not attacking, just watching. Seems like they’re mapping the terrain."
Rowan was on his feet before the scout finished speaking. "How many?"
"Hard to say. They're spread out, but they're organized. Someone's coordinating them."
The great hall went quiet. Aria set down her cup, her hand moving instinctively to the small swell of her stomach. Beneath her skin, Nova stirred. The wolf had been restless all morn
