The pack hall glowed with warm lantern light, casting golden arcs across stone and timber. Lola sat at the long table beside Kael, fingers curled around a steaming cup of wild mint tea as Gannon’s voice echoed through the chamber.

“…and the border patrols will rotate every three days. With tensions calm, now’s the time to train new guards.”

Lola’s gaze flickered across the room. Linda and Nova sat near the fire, discussing provisions. Eleanora stood near the maps with a few younger betas. Everything was peaceful, steady, but she could feel change in the air.

Beside her, Kael scribbled something into a small leather-bound journal, his brows furrowed in...