Dawn had not yet fully broken when Aurelia stood at the edge of North Ridge's cliff.
A thin mist hung low between the trees. The cold air touched her skin, but that was not what made her breath feel heavy. Something was moving far beneath the surface. Like a current in a river that seemed calm above, yet swift and dangerous in its depths.
Lucien appeared soundlessly behind her.
"You did not sleep," he said quietly.
"I was listening."
"The Council?"
"And the others."
She did not need to explain. After last night's declaration, the moon's resonance had not truly faded. She could still feel the small ripples from distant packs. Lunas who dared to speak. Alphas who were beginning to question old customs. And… fear.
Lucien stood beside her, their shoulders almost touching. "North Ridge is ready if they move."
"I do not want North Ridge to be the first target."
"If we must," he replied calmly, "we will hold our ground."
