stless shadows against ancient stone, and the distant howl of wolves echoed throug

le plans and betrayals. He traced a finger along a faded map of Blackmoor territory, sto

circle. Warriors loyal not to Blackmoor, but to Draven. D

as the twin daggers she always wore at her belt. "Kade may be r

th healers and refuses to put down the rogues. The Blood Rite will bind the council's

dged like iron, spo

lade that strikes cle

figure stepped into the

osters half-burned. Callen had no pack, no loyalty, only a

, and a jagged slash marred his brow. His

re. I wondered if you'd crawl out of

ied, voice gravel and ice. "I don't

appraising him like a

ho we're askin

ered. "As long as the coin'

. "The Blood Moon ritual takes place at the old cairn. Kad

ow lifted.

rike. Silver-dipped blade. His death must look like an

grin. "Two for one

ou fail, you won't lea

didn't flinch.

id across the table , the down payment heavy wit

ember this, Mire. No traces. No witnesses.

ch into his coat. "I don't l

and disappeared int

re, Elara spoke, a note

t? The Alpha bond is s

trike harder. And when the dust settles, Blackmoor will have

arried the mournful

m was

uld be re

: Hidden

ncil chambers bustled with wolves preparing for the Blood Moon Ri

ith curiosity, others with suspicion, but most with barely concealed hatred. She'd saved their A

it wasn't the o

Riven Hale

light silvered the treetops. Riven's silhouette stood against the darkness, arms c

e stepping closer. "

met him, there was no teasing smirk, no shar

here, Aria," he sa

"Because of t

anger you don't see yet. Not just in the council, or the rebellion Kade's try

s in the corridors, the icy glares at council gath

he co

" she said softly.

e already paid your debt. You should be running

e last word, and that was when s

a wa

nfes

ven

distant trees. "Not about you. Not when you're tied to him. But

She hadn't seen it , hadn't let herself see it. Riven, always hove

o want you safe. Enough to want you far from this

is feelings, but because she didn't. Because i

r, placing a gent

met. And I'll never forget what you've done fo

s hurt t

howled between the cliffs. Somewhere

nt he brought you back bleeding and half-dea

his eye, but he blinked i

e me so

yth

l , you'll run if you have to. Don't

smile. "I won't run.

wanted, but it was the

nished into the trees, leaving her standi

y toward another , one she shouldn't want, one who carried

ened, a single th

a gift, but a curse desig