The forest still hummed with the echoes of Ivy’s howl when Arthur struck.
His presence tore through the clearing like a storm front rolling in without warning, suffocating and violent. His golden aura blazed brighter than the torches, drowning the night in a fierce, oppressive light. Wolves scattered back, ears flattening, their bodies trembling beneath the weight of his power. Some bowed low at once, instinct ruling them. Others stiffened in hesitation, caught between two pulls—the Alpha they had always obeyed, and the Luna who had just defied him.
Arthur’s gaze locked on Ivy, and for a moment, the world narrowed to that burning stare. His eyes, molten gold, held a fury that promised blood.
“You dare,” he growled, his voice carrying through the trees like thunder. “You dare to howl as
