War on the Horizon

The scouts have verified; they are massing close to the northern boundary.

As Kael spoke before the council, his golden eyes swept the hall. His voice was austere. Every wolf in attendance knew the weight of his remarks, why the mood was strained.

"How many? "Luca inquired, his voice strong and forceful.

" Enough to outnumber us two to one," Kael said. "They have been dragging friends from renegade packs in. This is not an assault alone.

It is invasions.

Though a whisper of discomfort ran among the assembled wolves, Luca's face did not change. "We have faced worse chances before," he continued, his voice firm.

But not with the pack this split, Elder Marlon said, his voice full of criticism. "It's working; the competing Alpha has spent months weakening us. If we split, we have no chance.

My chest constricting as I considered the weight of the circumstances,