Rayne turned sharply, bloodied and panting, eyes wild.
Xavier stood with Alpha Rurik and Kade, flanked by soldiers. Garran was cornered. Jace was on his knees again, trying to rise.
“You fought well,” Xavier said, almost mockingly. “But you’re outnumbered. Outmatched.”
“We don’t surrender,” she spat.
Xavier tilted his head. “You should.”
Kade stepped forward and tossed something from the ledge. It hit the ground with a dull thud.
A banner.
Tattered. Soaked in blood. The silver crest of Valen territory, clawed and mangled beyond recognition.
Rayne’s chest seized.
“What is that?” she demanded, already fearing the answer.
“You were clever,” Alpha Rurik cut in, his voice smug. “But not clever enough. While you marched into Hollow’s Edge like a war queen, your lands were being surroun
