Jenna hid under the log in the forest. At her age she should have been fighting the invaders overrunning their fortress, but instinct had her climbing down the outer walls. A midnight attack was not the place to expose herself. It sounded like the enforcers from the Chieftains Conclave. A miserable group of greedy, already richer than Midas, magic haters.

She wriggled further under the log. Were the wolves nearby? Should she call for them? Friends would be an advantage just now. Perhaps she could risk it. After all her howl brought them running, and everyone knew there were several packs in mountain valleys.

Tears rolled into the moss under her cheek. Unearthly screams no one should hear shot through the dark. No howl, silence was best. This had to stop.

A cold nose touched her hand. Opening her eyes, Jenna found Luna's golden eyes steady on hers.

It's bad, my friend. It has to stop. Good witches and wizards died last night. You are alone. I'm sorry.

The wolf pack matriarch's words slid into her mind with soft care attached.

"It's the last time this happens. The head of the Conclave has to die. Revolution is the only way. A coup to replace him. I vow it on my parent's grave."

I'll take you there. The pack will surround you. We'll help you bury them and be there by your side.

Jenna crawled from her impromptu den. "I'm more one of you than a human witch."

You have no idea what you are. Yet. The moon aligns in two days. You have much to do.

"I will make our fortress the center of the new order."

Jenna rose to her feet, her hand buried in Luna's ruff.

"Where's your mate? On second thought, never mind. I'll need your help. Every pack, every alpha male. All of you."

You do not have to ask. The time has come.