Chapter Four: Iron in the Veins

The warning howl echoed through the Silverveil valley, low and sharp, slicing through the morning calm. Baylee froze on the path near the lake as Collin’s eyes flashed silver, his wolf rising beneath his skin.

“They’ve crossed the ridge,” he said, voice hard. “Ironclaw scouts, at least two.”

Her stomach twisted. “Then Gunner’s close.”

“Maybe,” Collin replied, scanning the horizon. “But he wouldn’t send just two unless he wanted to test our borders.”

“Or draw you out,” Baylee muttered.

Collin’s gaze flicked to her. “Then we’ll give him nothing to find.”

Within minutes, the Silverveil pack was in motion. Baylee followed Collin toward the clearing below the main lodge, where several wolves had already gathered. The energy was tense but organized.

“Dakota!” Collin barked.

A tall, broad-shouldered man with dark hair and calm amber eyes stepped forward, saluting with a nod. “Already sent Billy and Avery to sweep the west perimeter. They’ll report back soon.”

“Good,” Collin said. “No contact unless necessary.”

Baylee watched the wolves move with military precision. They weren’t loud or angry—they were focused. It was nothing like Ironclaw’s chaos-fueled aggression.

From the corner of her eye, she noticed two women approaching. One was older, graceful, her silver hair braided with tiny charms that clinked softly when she walked. The other was younger, perhaps Baylee’s age, with chestnut hair and sharp blue eyes that sparkled even in the morning gloom.

“Melody,” Collin greeted, nodding respectfully to the older woman. “Thank you for coming.”

Melody’s smile was warm but serious. “Jessica told me we might need healing herbs before the day’s done.” Her gaze moved to Baylee, softening. “You must be Baylee. I’m Melody.”

Baylee dipped her head politely. “Collin’s mother mentioned you.”

“She would,” Melody said with a chuckle. “She’s been fussing ever since he brought you in.”

“Melody,” said the younger woman beside her, “you’re embarrassing him again.”

Melody swatted her daughter lightly. “Hush, Heather.”

Baylee smiled faintly despite the tension. Heather grinned back, offering a hand. “Don’t mind Mom. She collects strays.”

“I’m not—” Baylee started, then caught Heather’s teasing smirk and laughed softly. “Maybe I am.”

Collin gave a small shake of his head, but Baylee didn’t miss the ghost of a smile on his lips.

Heather leaned closer, lowering her voice. “Don’t let my brothers hear, but I’m already rooting for you. You’ve got that ‘mysterious power’ vibe going.”

Baylee blinked. “Excuse me?”

Heather shrugged. “You fought off Gunner Ironclaw and lived to tell about it. Around here, that makes you something of a legend already.”

“More like a problem,” Baylee said wryly.

“Trust me,” Heather said, eyes twinkling. “We like problems. Keeps life interesting.”

Before Baylee could reply, a sharp whistle cut through the air. Billy and Avery appeared from the tree line, mud-streaked but uninjured.

“Two Ironclaw wolves,” Billy reported, brushing hair from his eyes. “Didn’t cross far. Just sniffing around the border, maybe trying to mark scent lines.”

Avery nodded. “No sign of Gunner, but…” He hesitated. “We found something else.”

Collin frowned. “Show me.”

Avery held out a small object wrapped in cloth. When Collin unrolled it, Baylee saw a sliver of black metal, sharp and etched with strange runes.

Her stomach turned. “That’s Ironclaw weaponry. But those markings—”

“Dean’s work,” Dakota said grimly. “Only one wolf forges blades like that.”

“Dean?” Baylee repeated.

Collin’s jaw tightened. “He was Silverveil once. A soldier under my father. He defected to Ironclaw three years ago after being denied a challenge for rank. He’s been their war dog ever since.”

Heather’s smile faded. “If he’s back, that’s bad news.”

“Worse,” Dakota added. “He doesn’t move without purpose.”

Collin turned the blade over in his hands, studying the runes. “He’s testing boundaries. Maybe Gunner’s planning something bigger.”

Baylee stepped closer. “If Dean’s with Ironclaw now, Gunner’s using him to provoke you. He wants a reason for war.”

“Then he’ll be disappointed,” Collin said flatly, tossing the shard to Dakota. “We hold the line. No retaliation unless they strike first.”

“Understood,” Dakota said, tucking the weapon away.

The pack began to disperse under orders, but Baylee caught Collin’s expression—controlled, unreadable, but tense.

“Collin,” she said softly, touching his arm. “You can’t ignore this. If Gunner’s working with Dean—”

“I know what it means,” he cut in gently but firmly. “And I’ll handle it. But not here. Not where my sisters sleep.”

There was something in his voice—a quiet promise of steel beneath calm waters. Baylee recognized it because it mirrored her own fear.

Heather approached, arms crossed. “I don’t know what Ironclaw’s playing at, but if you’re staying, Baylee, you’d better learn fast how to fight their way.”

Baylee raised a brow. “You offering to teach me?”

Heather grinned. “Every morning, right after breakfast.”

“Deal.”

Melody, who’d been quietly watching, stepped forward. “Be careful, both of you. Dean doesn’t fight fair. He’s cunning and cruel—and he remembers every face that’s ever crossed him.”

Baylee felt a chill ripple through her. “He’ll remember mine soon enough.”

Jessica appeared then, her presence steadying the group. “Collin, your father wants a full report by midday.”

Collin nodded. “Tell him I’ll be there shortly.”

As the others dispersed, Baylee and Heather lingered by the lake’s edge. The water was still, reflecting the gray clouds above.

Heather broke the silence. “You know, when Collin was little, he used to come out here to talk to the moon. Said she listened better than people did.”

Baylee smiled faintly. “Maybe she still does.”

Heather studied her. “You really don’t know what it means to be Moon-Touched, do you?”

Baylee shook her head. “Not yet. I just know it feels… wrong inside. Like something’s waiting.”

Heather’s expression softened. “Then maybe that something’s waiting for the right moment to save us all.”

Before Baylee could answer, another howl pierced the air—this one different. Longer. More urgent.

Collin turned toward the ridge, his expression hardening. “That’s not Ironclaw,” he said. “That’s Dean.”

Baylee’s pulse quickened. “He’s here?”

Collin’s eyes flashed silver. “And he’s not alone.”

The ground trembled faintly beneath their feet, as if the forest itself sensed the danger approaching.

Heather drew a knife from her belt, eyes narrowing. “Guess we’re about to find out what the Moon really wants from you, Baylee.”