The lockdown began immediately.
By midday, Blackclaw no longer felt like a pack stronghold.
It felt like a prison.
Warriors guarded every gate. Patrols doubled inside the compound itself, not just along the forest border. Wolves who had lived together for years suddenly watched each other with quiet suspicion.
Trust was cracking.
Exactly what the enemy wanted.
Selene stood in the central courtyard watching it unfold.
Two young warriors argued near the training ring.
A Beta barked orders at guards checking every supply cart entering the compound.
Even the healers moved nervously through the halls.
The poison used by the assassins had been studied all morning.
No one recognized it.
That alone was terrifying.
Silas approached her with a grim expression.
"The compound is sealed," he said. "No one in or out."
Selene nodded slowly.
"And the elders?"
"They're furious."
She almost smiled.
"Good."
Silas gave her a sideways look.
"You enjoy this chaos?"
