The first horn sounded at dusk, low, warning. Not panic yet.
Alexander stood on the ridge overlooking the eastern treeline, his pack gathering behind him in disciplined silence.
Warriors took positions without being told. Archers climbed the stone walls. Scouts melted into the forest shadows, this wasn’t a surprise attack, It was a challenge.
Mila watched from the balcony above the courtyard, arms wrapped around herself, the wind biting through her thin cloak, she could feel them now. Wolves at the edge of the land. Dozens, maybe more, their intent pressed against her skin like static.
They were here for her, “you shouldn’t be up here,” she turned. Alexander stood behind her, armor half-fastened, his expression carved from stone.
“I needed to see it,” she said. “If this is about me,
