Night settled heavily over Blackwood Valley.
The Ironclaw wolves remained at the edge of the clearing.
Neither pack trusted the other enough to stand down.
Inside the council lodge Kael argued with Ronan.
"The Moonborn stays here," Kael said.
Ronan leaned back in his chair.
"You don't get to decide that alone."
Eira watched them both carefully.
"The prophecy concerns more than one pack," Ronan continued.
"That doesn't give you the right to take her," Kael replied.
Ronan smirked.
"I don't plan to take her."
His gaze shifted toward the doorway.
"I plan to convince her."
Lena stepped into the room.
Silence fell immediately.
Ronan studied her with curiosity.
"You don't look dangerous," he said.
Lena crossed her arms.
"You don't look trustworthy."
A few wolves chuckled quietly.
Ronan's smile returned.
"Fair enough."
He stood slowly.
"Selene isn't the only one searching for you," he said.
Lena frowned.
"What does that mean?"
Ronan's expression grew serious.
"There are others who want the Moonborn."
Outside the lodge thunder rolled across the mountains.
And somewhere far away, something ancient had begun to awaken.