MasukThe clearing was alive with motion, a symphony of activity orchestrated under the pale glow of the full moon. Lanterns swayed from the trees, casting silver shadows that danced across the ground, mingling with the flickering light of the firepits. The pack moved like a well-oiled machine, older wolves supervising the younger ones as they carried platters, adjusted decorations, and rehearsed ceremonial gestures. Every movement reflected purpose, pride, and anticipation an unspoken acknowledgme
The packhouse remained on lockdown until morning. Nobody was allowed to move in or out without Damien's approval, and warriors stood at every entrance while patrols continued around the territory. The death of the captured rogue had left too many unanswered questions, and Damien refused to take any chances.Selene watched the activity from her window while holding one of the twins. She could see warriors moving through the courtyard and hear their wolves patrolling around the packhouse. The entire territory felt tense.Damien entered the room and closed the door behind him.“You should still be resting,” he said.Selene looked at him. “And you should be sleeping.”“I'll sleep when I know you're safe.”“You've been saying that since the twins were born.”“Because it's still true.”Selene gave him a tired smile before looking down at the baby in her arms. “They alm
The search along the eastern boundary continued for most of the night. Warriors moved carefully through the trees in their wolf forms, following every scent and checking every broken branch and disturbed patch of soil. Damien had ordered them to search quietly, and they followed his instructions without making unnecessary noise.Korven led the search while Garrick stayed closer to the packhouse with several warriors. Damien remained inside for a while, but his attention was constantly drawn toward the eastern side of the territory.Eventually, Korven's howl echoed through the forest.Damien immediately looked up.“That was Korven,” Garrick said.“I know.”Damien shifted into his wolf form and rushed toward the eastern boundary. Garrick followed with the other warriors.When Damien reached the area, Korven was standing beside a large tree. Several warriors surrounded the spot, but there was no sign of an intrude
The packhouse was finally quiet again, but nobody in Shadowfang was relaxed. The attack had been stopped, yet the damage around the western border and the courtyard made it clear how close the rogues had come. Warriors moved through the territory in groups, checking every entrance and following the remaining scents before they disappeared. Damien stood in the courtyard with Garrick and Korven, watching the warriors finish securing the area.“They knew exactly where to go,” Korven said. “The group at the border kept us busy while the others came through the eastern side.”Damien nodded. “They were testing our defenses.”“They almost reached Selene,” Garrick added.Damien's expression hardened. “I know.”Korven looked toward the packhouse. “What do you want done?”“Double the guards around the packhouse. Nobody enters without being cleared first. Increase the patrols
The western border exploded into chaos as the Shadowfang wolves charged into the attacking rogues. The sound of snarling and howling filled the forest while bodies collided between the trees. Damien moved through the fight with his eyes constantly scanning the battlefield. He tore through one rogue before another came from the side, forcing him to turn quickly and defend himself. Around him, the Shadowfang warriors fought together, keeping the rogues from pushing deeper into their territory.Korven was already leading another group toward the eastern side when a warrior came running toward him.“Korven! They're trying to get around us!”Korven looked toward the trees and immediately understood what was happening. The rogues weren't trying to win the fight. They were trying to create an opening.“Don't let them through!” he ordered.The warriors shifted into their wolf forms and rushed toward the eastern line. The rogues had
The following morning, Shadowfang was already on high alert. Warriors moved around the packhouse in shifts, while patrols were sent farther along the western border than usual. Damien had barely slept. After the message from the rogues, he knew the Witch Queen would not simply walk away because he had refused her. She had wanted Selene from the beginning, and now that she knew about the twins, she had even more reason to keep coming.Inside the packhouse, Selene rested with the twins beside her. Elder Myra had instructed her to stay in bed as much as possible while her body recovered from the birth. Selene hated being forced to remain still, but she knew she needed the rest. One of the babies was sleeping peacefully while the other stirred every few minutes, making tiny sounds before settling again.Damien entered the room carrying a tray of food and placed it beside her. “You need to eat.”Selene looked at him. “You sound like Elder Myra.&rdqu
The western border had gone strangely quiet.Damien stood at the front of the patrol line, his eyes fixed on the trees ahead. Garrick stood beside him while Korven and several Shadowfang warriors remained behind them, ready to move at the first sign of danger. The night was still, but Damien could feel something wrong in the air. His wolf was restless, sensing the presence of others beyond the trees.Then a low growl came from the darkness.One by one, figures stepped out from between the trees.Rogues.There were several of them, but they did not attack. Instead, they stopped a short distance from the Shadowfang warriors, watching Damien carefully.Korven stepped forward. “You’re standing on Shadowfang territory. State your business.”The rogue at the front gave a cold smile. “We came with a message.”Damien’s expression hardened. “Then deliver it and leave.”The rogue looked directly at him. “The Witch Queen wants Selene.”No one reacted with surprise. They already knew that was the
The scent of blood still lingered in the air.Even after the fires were put out, even after the bodies were buried, the smell clung to the earth sharp, metallic, and unrelenting.Selene stood near the training grounds where the battle had ended hours ago. The soil was torn and black
The road to Shadowfang was long.Long enough for thoughts to grow heavier with every mile.The Silvermoon convoy moved steadily along the forest path, wheels crunching against gravel while tall pine trees towered on either side like silent witnesses to the journey. The wind carried the scent of ear
The morning sun filtered through the wide windows of Shadowfang’s main hall, scattering warm gold across the polished wooden floor. The pack was alive with movement wolves of all ages weaving through the corridors, laughter ringing in the air, tails wagging in excitement. Decorations hung f
The dining hall of Shadowfang was one of the grandest spaces in the entire pack estate.Tall arched windows stretched along the stone walls, allowing the afternoon sunlight to pour inside in warm golden streams. The light reflected softly off polished wooden floors and long oak tables arranged neat







