Chapter 197

A horn sounded from the western watch—not the sharp cry of alarm, but the long, measured call used for arrivals who refused to be categorized as friend or foe.

Caleb didn’t sigh. He didn’t brace.

He just nodded once and started walking.

“They won’t wait,” he said quietly.

Kaia fell into step with him. “They never do.”

By the time they reached the ridge, three figures stood at the edge of the valley. Not scouts. Not Wardens.

Envoys.

Different packs. Different ...