Morning came slowly to the Blackwood Pack.
A pale golden light spread across the forest as the sun rose above the tall trees surrounding the compound.
But the atmosphere inside the pack territory remained tense.
Very few wolves had slept.
After sending messengers across the region the night before, everyone was waiting for the same thing.
A response.
Ava stood on the balcony outside Kael's office, staring down at the large courtyard below.
Warriors were everywhere.
Some were training.
Others were reinforcing the pack walls.
Blackwood had always been strong, but now it was preparing for something much bigger than a normal battle.
A war.
Footsteps approached behind her.
"You've been standing here for an hour."
Ava didn't turn.
"I know."
Kael leaned against the doorway.
"You should rest."
"Not happening."
Kael crossed his arms.
"You can't lead a rebellion if you collapse from exhaustion."
Ava smirked slightly.
"Watch me."
Kael chuckled quietly.
Then his expression became serious again.
"They'll answer."
"You sound confident."
"I know how wolves think."
"And how is that?"
Kael stepped beside her on the balcony.
"When a queen calls… wolves listen."
Ava looked at him.
"You really believe that?"
Kael met her gaze calmly.
"Yes."
Before Ava could respond—
A loud horn suddenly echoed across the compound.
Both of them froze.
Another horn followed.
Then shouting from the courtyard below.
Ronan's voice rang out loudly.
"Alpha! Riders approaching!"
Kael moved instantly.
"Let's go."
Within seconds they were downstairs in the courtyard.
Warriors were already gathering near the massive iron gates.
Ava pushed through the crowd until she stood beside Ronan.
"What's happening?"
Ronan pointed toward the main road outside the walls.
"Visitors."
The gates slowly opened.
And moments later—
A group of wolves entered the compound.
About fifteen of them.
Strong.
Armored.
Their leader walked at the front.
A tall, broad-shouldered alpha with dark brown hair and piercing amber eyes.
The moment he stepped into the courtyard, the Blackwood warriors tensed.
Kael stepped forward.
"Aldric."
The visiting alpha stopped.
"So it's true," he said calmly.
Kael's voice remained steady.
"You came."
Aldric glanced around the courtyard.
Then his gaze stopped on Ava.
His expression immediately changed.
For a moment, he looked stunned.
Then slowly…
He lowered his head.
The wolves behind him did the same.
The courtyard went completely silent.
Ava blinked in surprise.
"What are they doing?"
Ronan whispered beside her,
"They're bowing."
Aldric straightened again and walked forward slowly.
When he stopped in front of Ava, his voice was filled with respect.
"Moon Queen."
Ava shifted awkwardly.
"You don't have to do that."
He smiled faintly.
"Yes, we do."
Kael looked slightly amused.
Aldric continued speaking.
"I received your message during the night."
"And?" Ava asked.
"And I came immediately."
Ronan crossed his arms.
"You didn't even hesitate?"
Aldric laughed quietly.
"When the Moon Queen calls, hesitation is foolish."
Ava glanced at Kael.
"You weren't exaggerating."
Kael smirked slightly.
"Never."
Aldric studied Ava more closely.
"The council has already started attacking the smaller packs."
"We know," Ava said.
"That's why we're here."
Ronan raised an eyebrow.
"We?"
Aldric gestured toward the road behind him.
"You didn't think we came alone, did you?"
Almost on cue—
Another horn sounded outside the gates.
Then another.
The guards looked shocked as they peered beyond the walls.
Ronan walked toward the gate quickly.
His eyes widened when he saw the road outside.
"Well…"
He laughed softly.
"This just got interesting."
Ava stepped beside him and looked outside the walls.
Her breath caught.
Wolves.
Dozens of them.
Riders from different packs were approaching the compound.
Banners waved above them