The soft rustle of the wind carried an ominous weight as Derek stood on the training grounds, observing his warriors spar. The afternoon sun cast long shadows, the rhythmic clash of weapons punctuating the otherwise serene day. His Beta, Alex, approached with a clipboard in hand, detailing patrol routes and recent findings along their borders.

“Rogues are getting bolder,” Alex muttered, scanning the notes. “They’ve been testing our perimeter more frequently.”

Derek nodded, his expression grim. “They’re watching us, probing for weaknesses. I need more patrols, especially near the northern ridge. That’s where the terrain works to their advantage.”

Before Alex could respond, a voice cut through the air.

“They’re...