~ Marcus POV ~
"Step back, Marcus," Nora said without turning her head as we walked out into the courtyard.
"I stand with you," I answered, my chest burning under the dark mercenary vest from the lower armory. "You told me to bleed on the front line. This is where it begins."
The iron gates groaned open, echoing across the wide courtyard as cold wind swept down from the mountain ridge.
Standing ten paces beyond the threshold was a tall figure in a dark hooded cloak, wearing a plain silver mask over his face.
Flanking him were four massive foreign alphas, their dark eyes gleaming with quiet arrogance as their broad shoulders blocked the narrow road. Behind them rested a dark armored transport vehicle flying a white truce banner from its antenna.
"Fifteen minutes are up, Commander," th
