The murmurs around the grand tent quieted as one of the elders suddenly stepped forward. His deep voice echoed, "The time has come for the Alpha's Challenge, a tradition as old as the Red Moon Festival itself. Who among the Alphas is brave enough to prove their strength?"
My gaze darted nervously between the other Alphas, my fingers tightening on my goblet. My unease only grew as I glanced at Damien, Magnus, and Xavier. Their usual warmth had been replaced by something else. They sat straighter, their gazes colder, watching the others intently.
From across the gathering, the Alpha from the Howling Wood Pack stepped forward, his tall frame commanding attention.
"Ronan Nightclaw..." Xavier whispered beside me.
Ronan's smirk revealed sharp teeth as he raised a hand. "I'll go first," he declared. "I offer myself to the challenge. Who dares face me?"
