Chapter 12: The Weaponization of Fear

The peace won by Selene's exile was short-lived. Marcus, enraged by the failure of his inside agent, decided on a final, brutal confrontation. He would not skulk in the shadows this time. He challenged Kaden directly, for the leadership of the packs, on the sacred neutral ground of the Stone Circle—an ancient ring of monoliths deep in the forest. The stakes were absolute: winner takes all. Kaden, though stronger, was not yet at full strength. The cursed wound had taken its toll. But to refuse...