Kai POV
Liam pulled out a tablet and began scrolling through the reports, his voice taking on the professional tone he always used when delivering briefings. "The northern border shows increased activity from what we believe are Shadow Council scouts. Three separate sightings in the past twelve hours, all in the forest sector near the old logging road."
I nodded, trying to focus on his words even as my mind kept wandering. Celeste's tear-stained face. Lily's location, wherever she was. My mother's cold dismissal. The hollow ache where the mate bond used to be.
"The eastern border with the Golden Moon pack territory remains quiet," Liam continued. "After last night's incident with Lucas Cross's scouts, they've pulled back. Our patrols report no new incursions."
Another nod from me. My hands were clasped in my lap, knuckles white with tension.
