POV: Lyra

The great hall was quiet.

I sat on the throne with the crown of the High Alpha on my head and the weight of every pack pressing down on my shoulders.

The fire burned low in the hearth.

Shadows danced on the walls.

The only sound was the wind outside the windows.

Jaden stood at my right.

Becca stood at my left.

Selene stood behind me with a scroll in her hands and a look on her face that was serious and steady.

"The reports are in," she said.

I nodded.

"And the southern territories?"

She hesitated.

"The Bloodmoon pack has been gathering warriors. Their scouts have been...