The gate didn't break all at once.
It cracked.
Groaned.
Then split with a violent CRACK that echoed across the entire compound.
Wood splintered outward as Bloodcrest wolves slammed against it again.
Once.
Twice.
The final impact tore the gate open.
The war truly began.
Bloodcrest wolves poured through the opening like a flood of fur and teeth. Their war paint glowed red under the torchlight as they charged into the courtyard.
But they didn't find panic waiting.
They found formation.
Blackclaw warriors stood in two disciplined lines exactly where Selene had ordered them.
Spears forward.
Claws ready.
Kai's wolf stood at the center, massive for his age, black fur bristling as he bared his teeth at the attackers.
The first Bloodcrest wolf lunged.
Kai met him head-on.
The clash of teeth and claws sent both wolves rolling across the stone courtyard.
Kai twisted, faster than his opponent expected, and slammed his shoulder into the other wolf's ribs.
