Early the next morning. The forest was eerily silent as Celeste and Hunter led the two strike teams into rogue territory.

They moved with precision, every pawfall measured, every breath deliberate. Even in human form, the energy was coiled, ready to spring. The moon hung high behind shifting clouds, offering little more than slivered light between the branches.

"This feels wrong," Celeste muttered.

Hunter nodded. "Too quiet."

Behind them, their wolves padded silently, Lisa, Troy, Logan, ...