Finnegan didn't even wait for the dust to settle on the driveway from Vane’s departure. He bypassed the packhouse hierarchy entirely, stalking straight into his private office, locking the door, and opening the secure line directly to the Elder Council.
He didn't offer a greeting. He sent only the highest emergency classification: Code: Red. Sanctuary. Threat to Lineage.
The response from the Old Guard wasn't a formal letter or a delayed summons. It was a filed flight plan.
There was no rusted truck or vintage sedan this time. The situation had escalated far beyond a scenic, covert drive through the mountains. Elder Horne and Elder Thorpe chartered a private jet, and they were in the air within the hour.
Leaving the boys armed and guarding the packhouse, Damon and Elana sped down to th
