It was the middle of the night, and the pack lay in deep, quiet sleep. The moon cast a soft glow across the clearing, lighting up the silent trees. But that silence shattered suddenly with a howl—one so powerful, so strange, that it shook Lyra and Kael awake instantly.
Lyra bolted upright, her heart pounding. "What was that?" she whispered, looking at Kael with wide eyes.
Kael didn't respond right away. His instincts flared as he listened carefully, his face tense. It wasn't the usual howl of one of their pack members. This howl was deeper, almost mournful, and it lingered, carrying through the trees like a warning.
Without another word, Kael swung his legs out of bed and moved to the window, pushing it open. He inhaled sharply, trying to catch any unfamiliar scents that might hint at danger. Lyra followed him, watching his every move.
"We need to check this out," Kael said finally, his voice firm.
