So they knew.

The thought followed me like a shadow as I walked out of the cave beside the priestess, her voice flowing steadily as she spoke about training, discipline, control—about how I would learn to harness the power now coiled inside my blood.

I barely heard her.

The Abstenum is in the pack… how do we approach?

The words replayed in my mind over and over, growing heavier each time. If the ancients knew of the Abstenum, then it meant one thing—they were coming for it. Not just as observers. Not just as allies.

They would fight for it. Against the werewolves. Against the vampires. Or worse… they might...