Blood, pride, and survival collided under the moon.
The signal fires burned bright against the night sky. Three coordinated points. Three rival packs moving simultaneously.
"Defensive positions!" I shouted, voice carrying across the training ground. "Everyone to assigned posts! Now!"
Students scattered with practiced efficiency. The drills we'd run all day suddenly becoming vital reality. No more practice. No more simulation.
This was real combat.
Through the bond, Darius's wolf surged. He shifted partially, enough to enhance speed and strength without losing human coordination. His eyes burned gold as he assessed threats from multiple angles.
"Northern boundary first," he said. "That's where the signal came from strongest. They're testing our response."
We ran toward the northern perimeter. Marcus, Devon, and Finn falling in beside us. The defensive groups we'd positioned earlier were already engaging.
