The council forces weren't attacking. They were positioning. Surrounding us with the methodical patience of wolves who knew they'd already won.

"They're herding us," Caleb said, watching from the eastern wall. "Pushing the scattered wolves back toward the academy. Trapping everyone in one location."

"Why?" Darius scanned the formations. His wolf was restless, sensing something wrong. "They have the numbers. Why not just attack?"

"Because they're not here to fight." Elder Maren appeared ...