The blood moon hung heavy and swollen in the sky, painting the Bloodfang hunting grounds in shades of crimson and shadow.

Marina's paws hit the earth in perfect rhythm, her silver-shadow fur rippling with each powerful stride. Around her, dozens of unmated females scattered in different directions, each seeking their own path through the forest toward the Sacred Grove. Some ran with desperate speed, others moved with calculated stealth, but Marina chose a different approach entirely.

She would make herself a prize worth claiming.

The forest closed around her as she veered north, away from the easier paths. Pine branches whipped past, their needles catching moonlight like rubies. Her breath...