"Daylight raids," I murmured to myself, envisioning our pack moving as one under the bright sky, turning the day into a weapon as potent as fang and claw. "And iron-tipped arrows raining from above, piercing their shadowy forms." My voice grew in conviction with each tactical revelation, as if speaking them aloud would cement them into reality.

The elder watched me, his eyes glinting with approval at my contemplation. His presence was both a comfort and a beacon of ancient wisdom-an unyielding ...