Annie's POV:
The yard was full of warriors the next morning.
They were sharpening blades, checking saddles, and moving in the organized hurry of a pack preparing for war. The departure was close. I could feel it in the way the pack moved, faster than usual, quieter than usual.
I found Alexander by the training grounds, watching the warriors drill. Chloe was already loading her cart with bandages and jars of salve when I passed her on the way there. She looked up, saw my face, and didn't ask what I was doing. She just said, "If you're going to ask him, ask him before the warriors finish loading. After that, he won't hear a word."
Alexander saw me coming and didn't pretend not to.
"Annie." His voice was flat. "You should be in your cabin."
"I came to ask you again, Alpha," I said. "Let
