THORNE POINT OF VIEW.

The air in the courtyard was heavy with tension, thick enough to taste. I paced the ground, the rough stone pressing into my boots, as Cairn and Aria moved among the gathered soldiers, checking armor, weapons, and morale. The torchlight flickered across faces pale with anticipation, eyes bright with loyalty, teeth clenched with resolve.

I stopped, letting my gaze sweep the assembled pack. Hundreds of wolves, hunters, warriors, and scouts, each one waiting for a command ...