Every bond was tested when the heart and wolf collided.

The respite lasted two hours. Two precious hours to tend wounds, reinforce barricades, and prepare for what everyone knew was coming.

"They're moving again," Caleb reported from his watch position. "Both armies. This time they're coordinated."

I joined him at the window. He was right. Ashwood and Bloodmoon had overcome their territorial squabbling. Their formations merged seamlessly, a single unified force advancing on the ...