#Chapter 48: Under Siege

Swift River warriors executed their defense with practiced precision. Warriors moved in coordinated units, securing vulnerable entrances and shepherding non-combatants to protected inner chambers. The contrast with our own pack's chaotic response was striking—where Swift River moved with seamless cooperation, our warriors looked to different leaders for direction. Raymond attempted to take command, shouting orders that contradicted Swift River's established protocols. "Secure the eastern approach!" he called to a mixed group of warriors. "Establish a perimeter around the treaty hall!" His commands went largely unheeded as Alpha Marcus and Dominic implemented coordinated strategies that both packs' warriors immediately followed without question. "Defensive formation three," Marcus ordered calmly. "Swift River warriors to outer perimeter, Blood Moon to inner ring. Protect the elders and vulnerable first." I lost sight of Giana in the chaos but caught a glimpse of movement near the