The howl did not fade from Kael Blackthorne’s mind.It carved itself into him.He stood at the edge of Shadowpine territory long after the sound dissolved into the night air. The pack grounds behind him buzzed with confusion warriors whispering, elders demanding explanations, Selene pretending concern.But Kael heard none of it.Because that was not an ordinary wolf’s howl.It was dominance.Ancient.Claiming.His wolf paced violently beneath his skin.Find her.Kael clenched his jaw.“No,” he muttered under his breath.He had made his decision. Publicly. Clearly. Strategically.Ayla Ravenwood was not fit to stand beside him as Luna.And yetThe bond scar in his chest burned like fresh