KELLY THOMPSON'S POV

The encroaching darkness of the forest seemed to close in on us, mirroring the shadow that our discord cast over the alliance. Elara Windrider's eyes flicked between Alpha Markus and me, her expression taut with concern, while Gamma Thorne's steady gaze bore into us both, a silent plea for cohesion against the looming threat. Eden shifted restlessly at my side, his youthful face etched with the fear of the unknown.

"Markus," I said, my voice cutting through the tension like ...