Chapter 164

The morning sir was cold and the cloud looked like it was going to rain soon. I sat at the head of the war table with folded arms as I listened to Ardan outline the patrol schedules for the coming week. His voice was steady and reassuring—something I needed more than I cared to admit. “The northern border patrols will overlap every two hours,” Ardan explained, marking the map with strokes. “Zone and Rachel will lead the first sweep, and we’ll keep fresh warriors rotating. If there’s anything out of place, we’ll know.” I nodded, satisfied with the plan. “It’ll hold for now. I just want our wolves to feel safe again.” Ardan leaned back in his chair, watching me carefully. “They will, Serena. We are doing the right thing.” I offered him a smile, though it felt strained. The pack had been walking a fine line between recovery and exhaustion, and despite my best efforts, the tension was still palpable. It had been days since the witches’ promises, and though the rogue attacks had quieted, pe