The dawn light crept slowly across Moonshadow Valley, painting the ruined rooftops in pale gold. Smoke still drifted from the scorched edges of the training yard, and the once-grand council hall stood half in shadow, half in rebirth. Wolves moved through the debris in near-silence—clearing, rebuilding, pretending they didn’t still smell the fear that had clung to the night.

From the balcony of the Alpha chambers, Bella watched them work. Her hands rested over the gentle curve of her ...