The first night of the six felt heavier than any battle.
North Ridge did not sleep.
Guards were doubled. More bonfires were lit than usual. Patrol wolves moved in packs, no longer alone. But this threat was not something that could be seen with the eyes or heard with the ears.
It was something that crept between breaths.
Aurelia stood in the main stone hall. Before her spread a map of the pack's territory, marked with dark ink. The spots where Veilborn attacks had occurred were circled in red.
"Their pattern is spreading," said Cassian, pointing to a diagonal line from south to east. "Not random. They're testing the reach of your influence."
Lucien crossed his arms. "They aren't attacking large packs."
"Not yet," Alaric replied calmly.
Darius paced like a caged lion. "We can't just wait out six nights and hope they change their minds."
Aurelia lifted her head.
"I will not wait."
Silence filled the room.
