The first strike came like thunder.
A unified howl tore through the night—and then the forest moved.
Not in scattered bursts like before.
Not reckless.
Not testing.
This was war.
Wolves surged from the darkness in coordinated lines, their eyes glowing like embers as they charged the compound walls. The ground trembled beneath the force of their numbers.
Selene didn't hesitate.
"Archers—release!"
A volley of arrows cut through the air, slicing into the front line of attackers. Several wolves dropped—but more pushed forward without slowing.
Too many.
Far too many.
"They're not stopping," Kai said, his voice edged with excitement and disbelief.
"They don't need to," Rowan replied quietly.
Selene's jaw tightened.
"They're counting on numbers."
Silas stepped forward, his presence cutting through the chaos.
"Then we break their formation."
He didn't wait for agreement.
He shifted.
