The celebration started the moment the Council's vehicles disappeared down the road. Someone let out a howl of triumph, and within seconds, the entire sanctuary joined in, a chorus of voices raised in victory, in relief, in defiant joy.
I felt tears streaming down my face as Duke pulled me against his chest, his arms wrapping around me and our unborn pup. Through our bond, I felt his pride, his love, his overwhelming relief that we'd survived this.
"Let's get you inside," he murmured against my hair. "You need to rest."
"I need to check on Skye first," I said, pulling back to look at him. "And Iris. They need to know they're safe."
His expression softened. "Five minutes. Then you're resting, even if I have to carry you."
We found them in the medical building, Iris sitting on the edge
