Ryder POV

They come at dawn.

I'm on watch when the first scout reports movement on the eastern ridge. Two hundred wolves, moving fast with Thorne at the front.

"Everyone to positions." I speak into the radio. "This is it."

The compound erupts into controlled chaos. Wolves running to defensive positions, weapons being distributed, last-minute preparations. Doc secures the medical bay, Phoenix gets communications online, Knox coordinates the fighters.

And Jolie is still unconscious from healing ...