the safety of his pack. Yet that morning he felt a change in the air. It was subtle, an almost imperceptible variation in the mountain winds, but to an attentive Alpha, no

the shadows cast by the trees. A woman. She moved forward with a light step, her brown eyes seeming to capture every detail around her, as if she were memorizing the landsc

down her back, framing a face that was both hard and soft, marked by years of experience, although the wrinkles of age had not yet touched her features. A rare beauty, but i

gave him a questioning look. "

," Kaelan replied, staring at the

She came alone. No one really knows where she

uthorization? » His voice was calm but betrayed a hint of anger. Distrust was second nature to

. "She requested an audience with you. She

pack desperately needed answers. If there was any chance that this woman could help the

y time his thoughts wandered, the image of Elara came back to him, like an unsolved riddle that continued to float

outlined in the light of the flames. She moved with an almost supernatural grace, her light steps making no sound on the leaf-covered groun

of our territory without permission, and yet you request an au

e come to bring you a truth that could save your pack," she replied in a low, h

she held his gaze without hesitation, her eyes reflecting implacable d

ral disease. It was created by outside forces, enemies who seek to weaken the packs by sowing fear and d

n felt the tension building. Part of him wanted to believe his words, hoping that this u

proof? » Theron asked, interjecting

he effects of this scourge. Packs are torn apart from within, brothers become enemies. Fear an

es of her words. She spoke with a passion that seemed sincere, but he felt th

he asked, his voice softer but

to guess that the answer would be incomplete. "Because this scourge is a threat to all werewo

himself felt torn. Part of him wanted to trust her, to feel that maybe she could be the

only her Alpha could hear her. "I sense something str

understand, Theron. But we lack too ma

"You should stay on your guard. She could we

pass up the chance to get answers. He signaled the members of the pack to disperse, an

clared, fixing Elara with a piercing gaze. "But know tha

d defiance. "I accept your terms, Kaelan. I didn't come here to harm you. I

start of a solution to their torment. But he remained on his guard. Behind her deep, intense gaze, he kne