The outposts tucked away between cliff and forest were covered in a silvery haze as the early morning fog held on to the pines that delineated Silverwind's eastern border. Rumors of rogue sightings and subtle provocation from unidentified scouts had been circulating to the Silverwind guardhouse for weeks, and the patrols had become restless. There were no banners flown. No immediate danger has been identified. Beyond the trees, however, something stirred.
Perched on the lookout tower, Roman's keen eyes scanned the horizon. His instincts as a Beta were buzzing. This felt like testing—quiet, deliberate pressure against the boundaries of their territory—and it wasn't random.
The scout captain came up behind him and said, "This is the third sighting this week, sir. Same markers—quick movement, no trace left behind. It's like they're watching us." Roman scowled. "Or waiting." He went straight down the tower to the main guard post, where Serafina was already going over the patrol logs.
Ever since the second report, she had insisted on helping with border monitoring, which gave her a reason to act, to move, to get out of the confining confines of her title—and of her arranged marriage. As she looked up, Roman's presence made her breath stop for a heartbeat, but she concealed it with practiced ease. "Same pattern?" she asked.
He gave a nod. "They are aware of our blind spots, whoever they are."
Serafina tapped the report with her fingers. "You believe they are outlaws?"
"Not like the ones we've dealt with before. These are quiet and well-organized. Nearly... trained.
A moment went by between them, full of unspoken ideas. Then, in a low voice, Serafina spoke. "It won't be long before someone applies more pressure if we're being tested."
Roman spoke barely above a whisper, leaning in a little. "We ought to let your father know. Samuel and Alpha Marcus, too. More than just Silverwind may be in danger from this."
Serafina gave one nod. "Today, I will write."
They split up as Thomas stepped into the outpost. For a moment, his gaze shifted between them, a glimpse of something unreadable.
"The report was heard," he said. "Maximus intends to increase patrols."
Roman became rigid. We should think about working with Nightwind on joint patrols as well. We need eyes across the border to determine whether this is more than local rogue activity.
Despite his hesitation, Thomas nodded. "I'll bring it up."
The tension he had sensed when he intervened—that subtle pull between Roman and Serafina that was too subtle for most people to notice but that was indisputable to him—was not mentioned. And it was getting bigger.
Maximus was already pacing the war room at the castle, shouting commands for more defenses. Thomas's father dismissed his suggestion of collaboration with Nightwind.
"There's no need to be weak," he yelled. "Allow them to arrive. If they try anything, we'll crush them at the gate.
Even Maximus, however, was unable to ignore the uneasy feeling that gnawed at the edge of his certainty as the meeting came to an end.
There was an impending event. Something more dangerous than broken hearts or politics.
Eyes watched in the shadows of the Silverwind border. Awaiting.