Chapter 69

The border fort felt different this time—less tense than during the treaty negotiations, but more operationally focused. Viktor arrived with military commanders rather than diplomats, wolves who carried themselves with the hard competence of experienced warriors.

Arianna brought Helena and her senior tactical advisors, along with Duncan as promised. The atmosphere was businesslike, everyone focused on the practical problem rather than political posturing.

"The rogue pack calls themselves the Broken Chains," Viktor began without preamble, spreading maps across the table. "Approximately forty wolves, led by a former Alpha named Kade who was exiled from his original pack for excessive brutality. They've been operating in the disputed territories for...