The gates of Crescent Fang rose before us like stone teeth, but something was wrong.
Guards I didn't recognize manned the watchtowers, their postures aggressive and unwelcoming even when they spotted Reid's distinctive silhouette. These weren't the men who'd nodded respectfully when we'd left weeks ago.
“State your business,” one called down, his hand resting on his weapon's hilt.
Reid pulled back his hood, amber eyes glinting with dangerous calm. “Open the gates.“”
“Alpha?” The guard stammered, clearly surprised. Color drained from his face as recognition hit. “Beta Theron said you weren't coming back.”
“Beta Theron was mistaken.” Reid's voice carried the kind of quiet menace that made smart people step carefully. “ Where is he?”
“In the great hall, Alpha. But he's...” The guard swa
