The eastern sky burned red at dawn.
I stood on the highest tower of the fortress, watching the unnatural light spread across the horizon. It wasn't sunrise—the sun rose in the east, yes, but this was different. This was fire. Power. Darkness wearing the mask of light.
"They're awake."
Caspian materialized beside me, his face grim. "Vladimir and his four. I felt them stir an hour ago. The whole world felt them stir."
Kael joined us, his wolf form shifting to human as he reached my side. "My pack senses it too. A pressure. A weight. Like something ancient just opened its eyes."
We watched the red sky in silence for a long moment.
"How long until they reach us?" I asked.
"A week. Maybe less." Caspian's voice was quiet. "They'll come slowly at first—savoring their awakening, gathering t
