*Starblood Pack – Outer Barracks, Night*

The campfire had burned down to embers, leaving only the hiss of cooling logs and the soft shuffle of guards changing watch. Most of the Starblood members had slept, worn thin by the recent clashes and the long march back from Shadow territory.

But one wolf did not sleep.

Lieutenant Kade moved through the quiet yard. He paused at the corner of the outer wall, green eyes flicking toward the main chamber where Ryder and Crystal were staying. No movement. ...