Chapter 40

Alyssa

The scent of blood tinges the air, a herald of the battle yet to come. The Morrows have harried our borders for weeks, seeking weakness in endless skirmishes and raids. Their tyrant Alpha lusts to conquer our lands, believing them his by right.

For years we have held the mongrels at bay, defending what is ours through tooth and claw. But since the death of our Alpha, Trey, their attacks have grown bolder. They think us vulnerable without his guiding hand. Today they come not to raid but to overwhelm us through force of numbers, to end this feud once and for all.

Adam leads us now, named successor by his father's dying breath - but to the Morrows he is young, untested and ripe for the breaking. They shall soon learn their mistake.

Howls of warning cut through the night as scouts burst into the hall, eyes blown wide in apprehension. "The Morrows descend upon us in force, Alpha! They mean to end this with a single stroke!"

Adam blanches at the pronouncement yet steels himself