Chapter 29. A Crown of Smoke

The valley below Hollowridge seethed with tension long before the first blow was struck.

Rogue packs had taken their places beside the wolves of Hollowridge, but the space between them still shimmered with mistrust. Bodies stood too straight, too still. Eyes flicked toward flanks and shadows, measuring distance, gauging intent. A single spark would have been enough to turn caution into chaos.

The fires burning between the lines had been lowered deliberately. They no longer offered warmth. They burned narrow and hot, deliberate lines of flame that marked boundaries rather than comfort.

Above it all, Selene stood at the cliff’s edge with the crown of ash cradled in her hands.

It had not cracked—not once. Not when the wind howled hard enough to lift cloaks from shoulders and sc