Twenty one

Eliza’s POV

Theron's words hung heavy in the tense silence. I felt shame burn through me at disappointing the noble alpha who had shown me such kindness. Caia, too, seemed cowed by his reprimand.

Before either of us could respond, a commotion at the edge of the clearing caught everyone's attention. Zara came bounding in, her eyes wide with urgency.

"Alpha! Rogues have been spotted on our eastern border," she panted. "A large pack, by the looks of it, maybe 20 or more. They've already killed two of our outer perimeter scouts."

A rumble of alarm spread through the gathered wolves. Attacks from violent rogues were always a threat, but a pack of that size could devastate us.

Theron's eyes narrowed, and I saw his body tense, readying for action. "Muster our best fighters immediately. We'll cut them off at the ridge line and make our stand there."

He turned his intense gaze on me and Caia. "This ridiculous feud ends now. Prove you both have honour by fighting alongside your packmates