The war drums had not sounded yet.
But every wolf in Blackclaw could feel it coming.
The air itself felt heavier, like the forest was holding its breath.
By sunset, the compound had transformed again.
No longer a prison.
A fortress.
Warriors sharpened blades in the training yard. Patrol units formed organized rotations along the walls. Scouts prepared to move into the forest beyond the territory borders.
For the first time since the summit, the pack had a clear enemy.
Bloodcrest.
Even if they were only shadows in the trees.
Silas stood in the center of the courtyard with the senior warriors gathered around him. The flicker of torchlight danced across hardened faces.
"These scouts don't belong this close to our borders," he said.
A tall Beta named Garrick stepped forward.
"You think they're testing our defenses?"
Silas shook his head slowly.
"They already tested them."
Everyone knew he meant the assassins.
Selene stood slightly behind the group, observing quietly.
