Dawn broke over Crimson Moon’s training grounds, a vast plateau of red earth ringed by jagged cliffs, the blood-red moon fading into a pale gold sky. The air crackled with anticipation, thick with the scent of sweat, steel, and pine. Over a thousand pack members—warriors, omegas, pups—gathered in a semicircle, their eyes fixed on the center where Lilith stood, her raven hair braided tight, warrior leathers hugging her curves, mating mark blazing on her neck. Jackson flanked her, his black tactical gear taut over muscle, Blaze’s gold flecks glinting in his blue eyes. Lucas, Marcus, Mia, and the hundred royal warriors formed a perimeter, their silver spears and UV rifles ready. Alpha Rupert’s grizzled grin split his face as he raised a horn, its blast silencing the crowd. “Today, you see th
