They caught the convoy before sunset.

Three wagons.

Eight armed escorts.

Fourteen young wolves.

All chained.

Elara saw the cages and forgot how tired she was.

Kael saw her face.

“So did Orion.”

“No heroics alone.”

Elara looked at him.

“That is n

Black Howler was quiet when they returned.

Not peaceful.

Quiet.

Fourteen rescued wolves filled the healer wing. Royal Guards moved through the corridors with lowered voices. Every captured black mark had been documented.

For the first time in days, no one was ac

By sunrise, six packs had sent replies.

By noon, there were eleven.

Fear traveled faster than messengers.

So did anger.

Kael stood at the head of the Black Howler council table while Rhys read the latest report.

“Silver Ridge wants confirmation the threat