On the other side of the forest, far beyond the roaring waterfall and the edge of known territory, lay a land shrouded in fear and shadows—a domain so cursed with silence, few dared to cross it.
Even the wind seemed to hold its breath here.
A low growl echoed through the trees as a massive wolf crossed into the mist-veiled boundary, its crimson eyes gleaming like coals in the dark. But as it neared the ancient stone gates that marked the entrance to Blackwood, the beast halted.
Then, bones cracked and muscles shifted, reshaping with fluid precision.
From the wild blur of fur and sinew emerged Xavier, Alpha of the Blackwood Pack. Naked and unbothered, his towering form strode through the cold night air like it bowed to him alone.
Silent guards standing by the black pillars lowered their heads in respect, their eyes not daring to meet his.
