Helena's army arrived at dawn, three hundred warriors arranged in precise military formation. They stopped just outside Nightshade's borders, waiting. Not attacking. Just standing there in silent threat.
Dante met them at the border with fifty warriors at his back. The alliance had sent reinforcements, but they were positioned strategically throughout the territory, not concentrated at one point.
"Alpha Helena," Dante called across the space. "You march on allied territory with an army. This is an act of war."
Helena stepped forward. She was older than Aria had imagined, maybe sixty, with grey streaking her brown hair. But her eyes burned with absolute conviction.
"We march to cleanse the corruption you harbor. The bridge child is an abomination that threatens all wolf kind. Surrender
