We moved out together—two hundred Black River warriors forming up at the border.
Whatever was coming, we'd face it together.
The Crescent Moon Pack approached slowly, their Alpha—an older woman named Mira—at the head.
She looked exhausted, haunted, like she'd been running for days.
I stepped forward to meet her, Marcus and Helena flanking me. "Alpha Mira. This is unexpected."
"Luna Sophia." Mira's voice was heavy with grief and exhaustion.
"I'm coming seeking sanctuary."
"For what?"
"The Cult found us." Mira's hands clenched into fists.
"Three days ago. They attacked at dawn. We fought, but..." she gestured to her pack behind her.
Many were wounded, all were terrified. Children clung to their parents. The Warriors looked ready to collapse. "We barely escaped. Lost half our p
