The Guardian mansion glowed that night, lanterns strung across every archway, fire bowls casting golden shadows across marble floors polished so bright they reflected the faces of every wolf who stepped into the hall.
The celebration was meant to be perfect...an official welcoming of the new pup, the Guardian heir, the little princess who had drawn breath against all odds. Wolves drank, sang, and howled in triumph. Even Maya’s lips curved with rare joy as she watched her mate cradle their child, as though the universe had finally given them peace.
But peace never lasts.
The music faded when the air shifted. Thick clouds rolled in without warning, blotting out the silver kiss of the moon.
Darkness gathered above the mansion, twisting like black smoke. Wolves stopped singing. Every pai
