The clearing was darker than usual.
Even the moon seemed hesitant tonight, its silver light shivering through the trees.
The pack gathered silently, forming a loose circle around Brennan.
No one dared speak first.
Whispers rustled like leaves in the wind.
"They say something… is in the forest," one of the younger wolves murmured.
Brennan's silver eyes swept over them.
"What is it?" he asked, his voice low but carrying authority.
"Humans, Alpha," another said, trembling slightly. "We've sensed them. A presence we've never felt before."
Brennan's wolf stirred beneath his skin.
Humans did not come to the Forbidden Forest.
Not without reason.
And no reason was ever innocent.
The elders looked uneasy, exchanging silent glances.
"They are different," one said finally. "Something about the scent… it is old. Powerful. Dangerous."
Brennan's jaw tightened.
He had smelled powerful humans before. Hunters. Thieves. Even sorcerers.
But never like this.
There was a hesitation in the forest itself.
Even the wind seemed to pull back, as if afraid to move forward.
The pack fell silent again, all eyes on their Alpha.
Brennan's instincts screamed at him.
This was no ordinary intruder.
The scent was alive, aware, almost… calling to him.
He crouched slightly, sniffing the air.
Yes. It was close.
And it was coming.
The forest shivered around them.
The pack held its breath.
And Brennan knew… tonight, the forest would no longer let him walk alone.