ia Ca

d stone corridors. The torchli

me, but I'm trading a public execution for a

head stops us. A group of pack membe

aidservant, her face streaked with tears. It's T

shove me forward. "It's her! She's the one! I saw he

r. My guards have to shove them ba

es are wide with panic, not conviction. Sh

ressive presence descends again. Donov

y. He ignores me, his molten-gol

ce is dangerously soft. "You

the Moon Goddess!" Tilly

ng out in the corridor. "Look at her

et. He turns back to Tilly. He crouches down, his large frame looming

mirked, the vial I hid in my sleeve. They are well-rehearsed lies. But to a grieving brother, they sound

. "You have served your Alpha well by r

ds with relief. "

tness in my pack," Donovan continues,

lent. Tilly's jaw dro

face draining of all color

orning," Donovan states flatly. "Each version mo

in a separate holding cell. Post round‑the‑clock watch. No

seize her. "No! Alpha, please! They

only lead. He's a

uards. "Donovan, you can't! She's the only

t me. His face is a gr

ace pale with panic. "Alpha! It's Lord

is replaced by a wave of raw panic and pain. H

er his shoulder at my guards. "Put her in the high

followed by a dull thud. Then silence falls completely over that corridor. A cold weight settles in my chest. Donovan had ordered her kept under guard, and this

r slamming shut with a sound of finality. I'm alive, but