*Starblood Borders ---- Dusk*

Ryder stood on the ridge above Starblood's western border, Aiden pacing restless beneath his skin. The reports had come in all afternoon... Silver Fang was no longer content with probing raids. They were marching with banners and war drums, forcing packs to swear allegiance or burn.

Behind him, the smell of damp pine mixed with the faint copper of blood still drying on the wind from battles fought too close to home.

Crystal approached quietly, ...