Mira’s POV

Lyra brought word that the Southern Valley had crossed into Ridgefall and claimed the ridge. Cyrus recognized the breach; it was a violation of Article Four. Kael noted they had signed that clause, but Auren thought it was deliberate, a test. No word had come from their Alpha, yet fortifications had risen overnight. It wasn’t defense; it was defiance.

We rode to Ridgefall. Derian waited with his wolves, unbent and unyielding. He claimed he protected what was abandoned, not ...