The pack gathered just after midday.
It wasn’t announced as a summons—no raised voice, no command carried through the halls—but the pull was unmistakable. One by one, members of Hale’s Crest drifted toward the clearing just beyond the packhouse, boots crunching softly against packed snow, breath fogging in the cold air.
Holly stood near the edge of the crowd, wrapped in a thick coat that smelled faintly of pine and smoke. Serena remained close without hovering, a steady presence at her shoulder. Lila and Mira stood together at the center, shoulders squared, expressions calm but alert.
They didn’t look afraid.
They looked ready.
Rowan stepped forward, dressed simply—dark jacket, no insignia, no weapon at his side. Dustin and Veyra flanked him, Beta pair in both stance and spirit, while
