The wolves arrived before sunset.
Dozens of them emerged from the forest edge, their silver eyes reflecting the fading light.
Blackwood wolves gathered defensively near the valley entrance.
Kael stood at the front of the pack.
Lena remained beside Eira near the fire pit.
"Who are they?" Lena whispered.
"The Ironclaw Pack," Eira replied quietly.
The leader of the approaching wolves stepped forward.
He shifted into human form.
Tall, muscular, with dark hair and cold amber eyes.
"Kael," the man said calmly.
Kael's voice was tense.
"Ronan."
The two Alphas stared at each other.
Ronan's gaze shifted toward Lena.
"So it's true," he said.
"The Moonborn has awakened."
Murmurs spread through both packs.
Kael stepped forward.
"You're trespassing."
Ronan smiled faintly.
"Not trespassing."
He nodded toward Lena.
"Claiming."
Kael's eyes flashed dangerously.
"You'll leave."
Ronan ignored the warning.
"The Moonborn belongs to no single pack," he said.
"Her power affects every wolf territory."
The tension between the packs thickened.
Lena suddenly realized something.
Selene didn't just want the Moonborn's power.
She wanted war between the wolves.