The lanterns’ glow had barely begun to fade into the night when the first scream cut through the festival. It was sharp, urgent, a jarring note against the music and laughter that had resumed after Kael’s explosive claim.
Ariana froze, her pulse spiking. The air tasted metallic. Something was wrong.
Kael’s hand found hers instantly, warm and iron-strong. “Stay close,” he ordered, his voice low, commanding, dangerous. His senses were already scanning the crowd, muscles tensing like a coiled spring.
Chaos erupted. Figures darted through the lantern-lit paths — masked, armed, and merciless. Rogues. Pirates from the outer territories, drawn by the pack’s gathering, their intentions obvious in the violence they brought.
Pack members surged to protect their own, forming lines, baring teeth,
