The change is… sudden.
Too sudden.
Scouts return first.
Then patrols.
Then messengers from the outer borders.
All saying the same thing.
“They’re gone.”
Jack stands in the war room as report after report comes in.
“No movement on the northern line.”
“Eastern ridge is clear.”
“Not a single sighting in twelve hours.”
Dean frowns, arms crossed. “That’s not a coincidence.”
Felix shakes his head. “No. It’s not.”
Outside—
The mood shifts.
Cautiously at first.
Then louder.
Wolves who had been on edge for days finally breathe. Patrols relax—just slightly. Conversations carry a hint of relief.
Some even smile.
“They’re retreating.”
“We pushed them back.”
“Maybe they realized we’re not easy prey.”
Hope.
Dangerous, fragile hope.
Samantha stands near the edge of the training gr
