The moon hung high above the forest, casting silver light across the dense trees. A cold wind swept through the territory, carrying the scent of pine and earth. Everything seemed peaceful, but beneath the calm night lurked a sense of unease.
At the center of the pack's territory stood a large wooden manor, home to the Alpha. Inside, the atmosphere was tense as several warriors gathered around a long table, discussing reports of suspicious movements near the border.
"Are you certain it was a rogue?"
one warrior asked.
"I caught the scent myself,"
another replied.
"There were at least three of them."
A heavy silence filled the room. Then the doors swung open with a loud creak.
Every head turned toward the entrance as Alpha Kael Nightshade stepped inside. His piercing silver eyes scanned the room, instantly commanding everyone's attention. The conversations died at once.
"Report,"
Kael said firmly.
One of the warriors stood and bowed his head.
"We found rogue tracks near the eastern border, Alpha. They disappeared before we could follow them."
Kael's expression darkened. He walked toward the table, placing both hands on its surface.
"This is the third sighting this month,"
he said.
"Rogues don't gather without a reason."
"Do you think they're planning an attack?"
another warrior asked nervously.
"Maybe,"
Kael replied.
"Or maybe they're searching for something."
A sudden knock echoed through the manor. Before anyone could respond, a young scout burst into the room, breathing heavily.
"Alpha!"
Kael straightened immediately.
"What is it?"
"The patrol from the northern border just returned. They found someone unconscious in the forest."
The room erupted with murmurs.
"Who is it?"
Kael demanded.
"We don't know. The scent is unfamiliar."
Kael exchanged a glance with his warriors. An unknown stranger appearing in their territory on the same night rogues were spotted was no coincidence.
"Take me to them,"
he ordered.
Without another word, Kael turned and strode out of the room. The warriors quickly followed. None of them knew that the mysterious stranger would soon change the fate of the entire pack.
