Eliza’s POV

Theron's words hung heavy in the tense silence. I felt shame burn through me at disappointing the noble alpha who had shown me such kindness. Caia, too, seemed cowed by his reprimand.

Before either of us could respond, a commotion at the edge of the clearing caught everyone's attention. Zara came bounding in, her eyes wide with urgency.

"Alpha! Rogues have been spotted on our eastern border," she panted. "A large pack, by the looks of it, maybe 20 or more. ...