The dawn broke, casting a faint golden light over the Serene Pack’s territory. Evelina stood with Alden at the edge of the forest, her heart pounding as they waited for the scouts' signal. The tension was almost unbearable, every second stretching into eternity.

“We’ll make it through this,” Alden said quietly, his hand gripping hers. “We have to.”

Evelina nodded, drawing strength from his presence. “We will. For our pack, for our family.”

Just then, a scout emerged from the shadows, his face grim. “They’re coming. Draven’s pack is on the move.”

Evelina’s stomach clenched. This was it. “Everyone, to your positions,” she called, her voice steady despite the fear...