I stood frozen for exactly ten seconds after Duke disappeared into the trees. Ten seconds to feel the terror, the urge to collapse, to give in to the panic clawing at my throat.
Then our pup kicked hard against my ribs, and something inside me snapped into focus.
I wasn't alone. I had never been alone here.
"Victoria!" I called out, my voice carrying across the compound with an authority I didn't know I possessed. "Dr. Sarah! Everyone who can hear me- main hall, now!"
Wolves emerged from buildings, some half-dressed, others already in defensive positions. The sanctuary had been preparing for the Council investigation, but now we were preparing for something else entirely.
Something worse.
I made it to the main hall just as Victoria burst through the doors, her phone pressed to her ea
