The boundary pulsed like a living heart. Its black-silver light stretched high, illuminating the twisted forest and cliffs around Nightfall, a beacon that called attention far beyond the known packs and realms. Draven stood behind Elara, one hand on her shoulder, both alert to every flicker of movement.
“They’re coming,” he muttered. “Not one, but many.”
Elara’s chest tightened. “I know. I can feel them watching, testing.” Her voice trembled, though her posture remained straight. The presence within her stirred faintly, a gentle pull at the edges of consciousness, alerting her to every ripple outside the boundary. It was curious, not hostile, and she clung to it as a tether to calm herself.
“Envoys,” Draven said. “They won’t enter first they’ll send someone to probe, to see what they’re
