The first shadow wolf hit the outer wall with a sound like thunder.

Laura felt it through her bones. Cold death and very pure evil.

"They're here," she whispered to no one.

The war room exploded into action. Warriors grabbed weapons. Voices shouted orders.

But Laura just stood there. Eyes closed and listening.

She could feel them. Every single shadow wolf. Their dark energy pressed against her mind like ice.

"Laura!" Dante's voice cut through the chaos. "We need to go!"

"No." Laura's voice was steady. "We need to fight."

"What about the ritual?"

"After we save our people."

The sound of battle grew louder. Screams. Howls. The clash of...