Lyra sat on a flat stone near the edge of the pack's territory, watching Kael instruct the wolves on securing the borders. Each word he spoke seemed to bring them all closer, strengthening their unity in the face of Calder's threat. She could feel Kael's determination radiating from him. But as the day wore on, a feeling crept into her heart—a quiet worry that gnawed at her.
Just as the last patrol team was set, Lyra noticed Garren hurrying toward Kael. His usually calm face held something darker, his brows knitted as if burdened by a heavy thought.
"Alpha," Garren spoke with urgency, his voice low. "There's something you need to see. It's… strange."
Kael's gaze sharpened. "Where?"
"Near the eastern border," Garren replied. "A group of us found something unusual in the forest."
Lyra felt her curiosity rise, and before she could speak, Kael turned to her. "Lyra, stay here. It could be risky."