*Starblood Keep – Night*

 The great hall of Starblood had been cleared for war council again, the long table now scarred by claws and etched with hurried markings from a dozen frantic strategy sessions. Outside, the wind blew around the walls, carrying with it the smell of distant smoke—a reminder that Silver Fang’s reach was growing.

 Crystal stood at Ryder’s side, shoulder to shoulder with him as more Alphas filed in, their faces taut with exhaustion. Her fingers brushed the edge of ...