The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the rough-hewn table in the war room, illuminating the grim faces gathered around it.

Beta Helias, his jaw tight with grim determination, spoke, his voice low and urgent. "Mortals are lurking near the border," he announced, his eyes scanning the faces of his superiors.

Alpha Raven, his usually stoic features etched with concern, leaned forward. "Are you certain, Helias?" he asked, his voice a low rumble.

Helias nodded, his gaze ...