Damien's POV
The Eastern Territory's border fortress looked exactly as imposing as its reputation suggested — gray stone, sharp lines, a courtyard built for intimidation rather than welcome.
I rode in with a small honor guard, Riven beside me by his own insistence, both of us dressed for diplomacy rather than war despite the tension radiating from every warrior watching our approach.
Alpha Kane met us in the main hall — broad-shouldered, silver-templed, a face carved into permanent wariness by decades of holding a difficult border territory together.
"Damien Thorn." His eyes moved past me to Riven, and something cold entered his expression. "And the Shadow Alpha himself. Bold, bringing him here uninvited."
"I came at my own request," Riven said, before I could answer. "Not hidden behi
