The morning air surrounding the Spire of Unity was crisp and thin, carried on a sweeping alpine breeze that rattled the grand silk banners lining the marble courtyard.
Long before the sun cleared the eastern mountain ridges, the high stone galleries surrounding the High Council chamber were overflowing with onlookers. Representatives from over thirty wolf packs—from the dense pine territories of the northern reaches to the sweeping southern grasslands—had gathered in their finest ceremonial garb. Whispers echoed off the towering white granite walls, a rising tide of anticipation and tense speculation.
Inside the Nightshade estate's private courtyard, Beta Freya made a final inspection of our escort unit. Twelve elite warriors stood in silent formation, clad in polished silver-trimmed arm
