KELLY THOMPSON'S POV

Jason's shadow slipped away into the night, drawn to the ominous glow of the sigil etched upon ancient bark-a harbinger of the Black Faes' looming threat. His absence cast a palpable void in the grand hall, where I now stood encircled by the Council Of Packs, their gazes heavy with unspoken fears and expectant for my next decree. The air was taut, thick with tension that clung to my skin like the damp chill of an unseen mist.

"Tonight, we must fortify," I declared, my voice ...