SOMEWHERE IN THE SHADOWS//QUEEN VESPERA'S SWAMP
The war room buzzed with tension.
Holographic screens lined every wall, displaying maps, surveillance footage, and grainy images of the triplets' palace. Female warriors stood at attention along the edges of the chamber—scales dark, eyes cold, claws sharpened. In the center of the room, a large table displayed a detailed blueprint of the Blackmoon Pack's stronghold.
Queen Vespera sat at the head of the table. Her silk robe barely contained her bulk. Her cloudy eyes moved slowly from face to face.
She did not speak.
She did not need to.
General Thrax stood beside the holographic table, her scarred arms crossed over her chest. She was the toughest warrior in Vespera's army. She had killed werewolves with her bare claws. She had never lost a mission.
But today, she looked nervous.
"My Queen," Thrax began, "the kill team is assembled. Twelve of our best warriors. Silent. Deadly. Ready to move on your command."
