Damon’s POV
Magnus received word of the failed ambush with considerably less patience than he'd shown following previous setbacks, his fury sharp enough that even Rurik hesitated before delivering the full report.
"Six attackers against a single Alpha with two guards," Magnus said, his voice dangerously calm in a way that unsettled Rurik more than shouting would have. "How does that fail?"
"Reinforced escort," Rurik said. "The coalition anticipated exactly this kind of attempt and adjusted their security accordingly. Our attackers weren't prepared for the additional guards stationed near the fragment site."
"Then our intelligence was insufficient," Magnus said. "I asked for a target vulnerable enough to guarantee results, and instead we've confirmed the coalition's competence while ac
