The voices in the distance still called to her. She could hear the laughter of the pups near the packhouse and the quiet murmurs of elders deep in conversation.
But she could also hear the simmering discontent of others, those who doubted her worth, who whispered about her in the shadows.
Lavender froze as a new voice drifted into her mind. Her chest tightened when she recognized Fern’s sharp, cutting tone. But it wasn’t Cedar she was talking to. The other voice was unfamiliar. Deep, steady, and cold. Lavender focused harder, sharpening her senses more as the conversation went on, like she was standing right there with them.
“You’ve got everything ready, right? I don’t want anyone catching wind of this before we make our move.”
“It’s all set. By tomorrow night, the pack’s defenses will crumble. They won’t know what hit them.”
"Good. Cedar and his precious Shadowpelt Pack have ruled long enough. When he’s out of the way, they’ll have no choice but to follow me.”
“What about his Luna? She might be more trouble than you think. The pack might rally around her if she gets in the way.”