Iron Howl felt hollow after the split.

The halls that once roared with wolves now echoed emptily. Half of the pack, Veyra’s half, had walked out through the gates, their bone charms clattering like war drums in retreat. Their howls lingered in the distance, a haunting chorus promising return with Hollowbone at their back.

Those who remained looked at me with fire-lit eyes… but also with doubt. They had seen me burn the assassins. They had seen me anchor Kael with bond and flame in the ...