Chapter 101

Simon's POV The moon hung low over the valley, its pale light casting long shadows over the neutral hospital grounds. Even the trees seemed to brace themselves, their branches rigid in the windless night. The meeting room was already filled by the time I entered. Representatives from the Tigerkin, Panther Tribe, two Hawkkin elders, and even a witch from the Eastern Circle sat quietly, tension written on every face. Thomas stood by the window, arms crossed, while Aisha offered me a nod from her seat beside the hospital director. We were all waiting—for plans, for strategy, for hope. I stepped forward and cleared my throat. "Thank you all for coming," I began. "As you've all heard, Alpha Brayden has officially aligned his forces with the Nightborne Vampire Alliance." A low murmur passed through the room. "That changes the nature of this war," I continued. "Their wolves are now empowered during the night. That gives them superior speed, endurance, and healing when the sun sets." "Which is