The night still burned in Draven’s chest like coal. The red glow in the dark—the intruder’s eyes—was burned into his vision, haunting him like a specter of everything he could not control. The forest outside the stronghold was still trembling, the wind carrying the aftermath of whatever dark force had been unleashed. His wolf was pacing beneath his skin, snarling and restless, demanding blood, demanding resolution.
But the enemy was gone. Vanished as though the earth itself had swallowed him.
Draven’s jaw clenched hard enough to ache. “How in the hells did he slip through the warded boundary?” His voice was a growl, low and dangerous.
Elaria stood just behind him, one hand pressed against the stone wall for balance. Her healer’s robes were torn at the hem, her braid coming loose, eyes r
