The air crackled as if the moon itself warned us of danger.
I woke to whispers. Students in the hallway talking in hushed, urgent tones. Something had happened overnight. Something that made everyone nervous.
Through the bond, Darius was already awake. Alert. His wolf pacing beneath his skin with that restless energy that meant he sensed incoming threats.
What's going on? I sent.
Scouts reported movement. Multiple packs converging on academy territory. Too coordinated to be coincidence.
Rival packs? Coming here?
Coming here. And they're not hiding their approach. They want us to know they're coming.
I dressed quickly. Found Marcus in the common area, looking grim.
"You heard?" he asked.
"About the packs? Yeah. What's the situation?"
"Three different groups. All arrived at territorial boundaries overnight. All positioned like they're waiting for something. Or someone."
"Gideon."
