arth with a steady, rhythmic thud as he ran. His senses were alive, hyper-aware-every sound, every smell sharpened under the moon's pull. But even

t even the creeping sense of dread that

ack needed him. The territory was at risk. And if the Earthclaws were truly

thered. Luca was there, pacing, eyes scanning the treeline. The others were spread out in a l

ts were raw, all his human doubts set aside as the alpha in him took ove

during these moments, always ready to act. But even Luca's normally steady demeanor seemed slightly on edge

heard rumors... about the Earthclaws. Garen's planning something big.

et them have it. The Crescent Moon pack has

lowering his voice. "And what about the humans

mind, but he quickly shook it off. "The humans stay out of it," he said f

his eyes lingered on Kael, as if weig

el their energy, the way they were all keyed up and waiting for the conflict that was about to come. His h

n. His thoughts drifted again, this time unwillingly to Elara. He wondered if she was safe, if she was at home where he'd left her hours ago. She didn't know about the pack'

ae

her werewolf's face was serious, and for the first time that night, K

his voice low. "The Earthclaws

an cold. "What

y're closer than we though

rough his own rising tension. The Earthclaws were already on th

el ordered, his voice colder n

is body moving faster than any human could comprehend. His senses were alert, the forest around him alive with sou

El

that something-someone-was abo

tant sounds of battle already beginning to echo in his ears. He could hear the snar

ae

, standing at the edge o

ll was she

?" Kael demanded, his voic

ermination in her eyes. She hadn't come for trouble, but Kael could see it

wled, his protective instincts s

she shot back, her gaze unw

ime for sentiment. His eyes flickered to the shadows in th

ara," he said, his

tep closer, her hand reaching out

wasn't just about the pack anymore. This wasn't just about survival.

es, a signal from the pack. T

re-he had to protect her. But how? How could he

wolf instincts kicking into overdrive. He had t

r had