Chapter 71

The first scream came just before dawn.

It wasn’t loud. It wasn’t long.

It was the kind of sound that cut off mid-breath, sharp enough to jolt the land awake.

Caleb was on his feet instantly, sword in hand. Kaia was already moving, the pulse in her chest flaring—not violently, but urgently, like a warning bell rung once.

The pack stirred fast. Too fast. No panic—just readiness.

They found the scout at the eastern watchtower.

Alive. Barely.

His eyes were wide, ...