CHAPTER FIFTY - Where Destiny Meets Choice

Alexander Kane's office buzzed with activity as pack members delivered reports and awaited instructions. The Alpha of Silver Moon stood before a large map, marking positions with colored pins. "These sightings concern me," he told his security chief, pointing to a cluster of red markers. "Shadow Crest has never shown interest in the northern borders before." Lucas leaned against his father's desk, arms crossed over his broad chest. "They're testing our response times. See how the incursions increase slightly in duration each time?" Alexander nodded, pride flashing briefly in his eyes. "Good observation." The security chief, a battle-scarred wolf named Marcus, grunted agreement. "We've doubled patrols along all boundaries, but they seem particularly focused here." He tapped the map near a river crossing. "That's closest to the academy," Lucas noted, his thoughts immediately turning to Aria. "Exactly." Alexander's expression grew grim. "Which is why I'm accelerating your training s