The fire had barely faded when the courtyard began to calm again.
The younger mages still buzzed with excitement, whispering and replaying the sight in their minds… a wolf breathing fire, a living myth coming to life before their eyes.
But behind all that awe, Damon’s expression was sharp, calculating. He moved toward Braxton, lowering his voice so only Lucien and Master Kaelis could hear.
“That was reckless,” Damon said flatly. “You shouldn’t have done that.”
Braxton, still catching his breath, ran a hand through his hair. “They needed proof. They needed to believe again.”
“Believe?” Damon’s tone tightened. “You think Jaxon won’t notice a burst of energy like that? He has wards everywhere… spies, seers, hell, even the shadows in the wind report to him.”
Lucien stepped in, his voice
