Cassius’ POV

The war drums thumped a relentless beat in my chest. Staring at the hunched-over rough map by flickering candlelight, I traced the likely path of the Darkfang pack horde. My office, usually a comforting space, felt like a tomb tonight. Every little croak and whisper in the night, every rustle of wind and leaves outside, sent a jolt of nervous energy through me. I haven't felt this nervous in years about an impending battle. This night was different.

A knock on the door shattered the silence. "Come in," I rasped, my voice dancing through the room.

The door creaked open, revealing Max, my ever-reliable Beta. His face mirrored...