Two days later, the northern winds had turned into a razor-sharp gale, carrying the heavy scent of scorched ozone and ancient, frozen pine. The massive iron gates of the Blood Moon fortress groaned as they swung open, their reinforced hinges vibrating with the sheer weight of the tension hanging in the air.
Kael stood at the center of the courtyard, a towering figure of absolute, unyielding authority. He was dressed in his full Alpha ceremonial gear—heavy black leather reinforced with silver plates, a thick fur cloak draped over his broad shoulders. Beside him, Elara stood with a quiet, regal poise that commanded just as much attention. She wore a deep crimson tunic, her silver hair braided intricately, and the Sun-Stone around her neck pulsed with a rhythmic, golden light that seemed to
