"I came as swiftly as the news reached my ears," Lord Jaime said, drawing her into a firm embrace.
When they parted, she stepped back, her gaze soft with gratitude. "Thank you for coming, dear friend."
He offered a warm smile, then turned to the Beta and gave a respectful nod.
"I am most grateful you chose to release her rather than subject her to that barbaric and senseless punishment," Lord Jaime said solemnly.
Cedric returned the gesture. "It is my duty to protect the pack in the Alpha’s absence. I am glad I chose rightly."
"Then we must not tarry," Jaime said, casting a glance toward the fading sun. "We must be gone before word travels faster than our wheels can carry us across the border."
He turned to Lena and offered his hand.
"Wait," Cedric interjected, drawing forth a small
