The forest air crackled with tension as I faced Alpha Markus, our breaths mingling in the chill of the night. The circle of our closest allies stood witness to the growing rift between us, their eyes darting nervously as if afraid to settle on either side of the divide.

"Unity is not a chain, Markus; it is our strength!" My voice rose, a mixture of fury and desperation lacing each word. "We cannot stand divided against the Black Faes. You know this."

"Strength?" His laugh was short, bitter as ...