Seraphine's POV
Beyond the tent wall the noise crept closer. Low growls, claws scraping the ground, sudden impacts, shouts. There was no doubt now: the strays had found us.
Darius stood at the entrance, weapon in hand, but his next look was for me.
“We shift,” he said calmly, as if giving any other order. “It’s easier to fight in wolf form.”
My heart jumped into my throat. Cold sweat broke over my skin.
“I…” My voice shook. “I haven’t shifted in a very long time.”
Darius’s eyes narrowed, but there was no mockery in them. It was as if he had expected this.
“Why?” he asked.
I swallowed. Shame wrapped tight around my chest. “Ever since the palace,” I whispered. “Since you put iron on me.”
For a moment the sounds outside faded. There was only his gaze on mine. His gray eyes were cold,
