Page 2 of When Two Worlds Collide

“I haven’t forgotten anything, brother.”

My diplomatic teamquickly establishes a perimeter camp as I survey what lies ahead. The forest looms before us, ancient and vast. What was once our uncontested northern border now bears deep claw marks—territorial boundaries etched by creatures who make no distinction between their animal and human natures.

“Ambassador Steelclaw?”

I turn to find Julian, one of the Pine Ridge settlement representatives, approaching with obvious trepidation. He’s fox-shifter thin, with nervous eyes that dart constantly toward the forest.

“The marks go for miles,” he says, gesturing along the tree line. “They appeared three days ago. We sent scouts, but they came back terrified. Said they saw wolves bigger than bears moving through the trees.”

I nod, keeping my expression neutral. “Have they approached the settlements directly?”

“No, but they’ve been hunting in our territories. Taking down deer that our people rely on. It serves as intimidation.”

“Or hunger,” I suggest, though I suspect he’s right. “How many Shadow Wolves have been spotted?”

“At least thirty, maybe more. We’re not sure.”

I study the marked trees again. The claw gouges are deep, deliberate—not casual boundary markers but statements of possession, of dominance. The message is clear: This land belongs to us now.

“I need to see exactly how far their territory extends,” I decide. “Julian, tell my escort I’m going to scout the perimeter.”

His eyes widen. “Alone? But Ambassador?—”

“I’m not here to hide behind guards,” I cut him off. “I’m here to negotiate with an alpha predator. I can’t do that if he thinks I’m afraid to face him.”

Before Julian can protest further, I strip off my formal diplomat’s jacket and boots, keeping only my simple dark pants and sleeveless top. Better for shifting quickly if needed. I slip into the forest, moving with deliberate confidence, following the line of marked trees.

The musk of wolf territory intensifies as I travel deeper into the woods. It’s not just territorial marking—the entire forest feels different, primal energy pulsing through it as though the wild shifters have awakened something long dormant. I find more claw marks, these higher up the trees, requiring a wolf of impossible size to leave them.

After an hour, I reach the first settlement outpost—a small lumber camp that processes wood for the main settlements. It stands abandoned, tools left mid-task. The workers must have fled when the Shadow Wolves appeared.

Beyond the camp, the forest darkens, pine boughs filtering the midday sun into dappled shadow. I pause, my ears catching a faint sound—the snap of a twig, deliberately broken. I’m being watched.

I straighten, projecting calm authority. “I am Ember Steelclaw, Territorial Ambassador from Haven’s Heart. I request an audience with Alpha Zane Blackthorn of the Shadow Wolf Clan.”

Silence answers me, but I feel eyes tracking my movements. I continue forward, following the scent markers. Two miles later, I reach River’s Edge settlement—a cluster of cabins near a swift-moving stream. Unlike the lumber camp, this place is still occupied. Shifters peer anxiously from windows as I approach.

An older woman hurries from the main building to meetme, her posture tense but determined. “Ambassador,” she greets me with clear relief. “I’m Elder Tessa. Thank the stars you’ve come.”

“What’s your situation here?” I ask quietly.

“Precarious,” she admits. “They’ve marked everything north of the river as theirs, including our hunting grounds. We’ve spotted them watching the settlement at night. They haven’t attacked, but...”

“But they’re making sure you know they could,” I finish for her.

She nods. “We’ve been preparing to evacuate, but many families have lived here for generations. They don’t want to abandon their homes.”

“I understand.” I study the tree line beyond the settlement. “I need to see their main camp.”

Elder Tessa blanches. “That would be suicide. The Shadow Wolves don’t negotiate—they take.”

“Every predator has something they value,” I counter. “I need to discover what that is.”

I leave her with reassurances I’m not entirely sure I can keep. As the afternoon wanes toward dusk, I push deeper into claimed territory, following fresher scent markers. Wolf markings become more frequent and aggressive.

I stop in a small clearing, knowing I’ve been surrounded. The subtle shifting of shadows between trees and the nearly silent pad of paws on the forest floor all indicate the pack is moving into position.

I stand my ground, chin lifted. “I know you’re there,” I call out. “I’ve come to speak with Alpha Blackthorn about the settlements your clan has claimed.”

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