Gabriella’s POV
The next morning arrived in pieces.
Not sunlight.
Not peace.
Just the restless churn of power beneath my skin and the echo of Tristan’s dream still thudding against my ribs.
By the time I stepped into the hallway, the entire keep was on alert.
Warriors moved in tight formation. Patrol leaders barked instructions. Beta scouts sprinted past, carrying sealed messages.
The Devourer’s shadow had settled over Shadowdark like a stormcloud.
And the pack felt it.
I took a steadying breath and followed the familiar pull of the bond. It guided me toward the council chamber—but halfway there, I already sensed tension.
Raised voices.
A crackle of Alpha energy.
And something else lurking beneath it.
A taint.
A smear of darkness.
I pushed the door open.
The four Alphas wer
