The scouts returned at midnight with news that turned preparation for the hearing into preparation for war.

"Five packs," Lysandra reported, spreading maps across the war room table. "All moving toward academy territory. Different directions, but coordinated timing."

"Which packs?" Darius asked, his wolf already on high alert.

"Bloodfang from the north. Shadowcrest east. Two smaller packs I don't recognize from the south. And Ironclaw circling west." She marked each position. "They're ...