The winds carried the scent of blood and betrayal.

The war room was cramped with bodies. Every tactical mind in the Academy crammed around a single table covered in maps. Red markers showed enemy positions. Blue showed ours. There was far too much red.

"Bloodmoon forces are camped five miles north," Caleb reported, pointing to the largest concentration of markers. "Two hundred warriors confirmed. Elite trained. They're not moving yet, just waiting."

"For what?" someone asked.

"For Ashwood ...