#Chapter 106: The Crest

DEREK I was still wiping the blood off my arm when Elena grabbed her father by the sleeve. “What’s going on?” she demanded. “There’s been a rogue attack,” he said, low and calm. I stiffened beside her. “I’ll go help.” But the Moonstone Alpha held up a hand without looking at me. “I appreciate your willingness to step in,” he said evenly, “but my men can take care of our own territory.” “But—” “It’s a small attack,” he said firmly. “Just a few rogues testing the perimeter, most likely. I’ve sent Mason to handle it.” I glanced toward the drive, where Logan and Chad had already vanished into the dusk. Their absence left a sharp edge in the atmosphere. It felt like the warmth of the evening had been replaced by something colder—tense and alert. The Alpha turned, nodding toward the horizon. “It’s a full moon tonight. The rogues are restless. Nothing more.” He didn’t want my help. That was clear. Across the courtyard, I could see people beginning to murmur. The fireligh