By midnight, the military quarter had stripped the winter hunt of ceremony.
Lucian’s promise that the hunt would expose every predator stayed in the back of Evelyn’s mind while she reduced the event to what it was.
Armed people with uncertain loyalties moving through dangerous terrain.
Maps covered the table. Officers checked routes, weather reports, and equipment.
A palace servant entered with a green hunting coat trimmed in silver.
“From Alpha Albert.”
Evelyn studied it without touching the cloth.
The color had once been her favorite.
Five years ago.
“Return it.”
The servant hesitated. “There is also a horse in the Greyhaven stables. The gray gelding you rode before the war.”
Memory warmed the mate bond.
Storm was a court horse.
The mountain required something else.
“Return
