At the Shadowfang quarters, reports came in fast. The main hall echoed with footsteps and raised voices. Maps covered long tables, red pins marking territories. Dim lights hung overhead, casting long shadows on the stone walls. Eli sat at the head with the council, fingers tapping impatiently.
A messenger burst in, out of breath, clothes torn at the sleeve. “They’re all gone,” he said. “The team that was sent to follow Jax’s tracks. They have been Slaughtered. Every last one. Bodies left in the clearing like warnings.”
Eli quickly stood up and pushed past the others without a word, ignoring calls of his name. The door slammed behind him as he left the council chamber. Hallway lights flickered. His boots echoed loud on the floor.
Shock hit him like cold water. His mind spun. How could Ja
