A distant howl cut through the evening air, followed by another, then several more. Maison tensed, moving to the edge of the balcony.
"Border patrol," he said grimly. "Something's happening."
The door burst open again, this time revealing Jackson, Maison's twin. Unlike his brother's controlled demeanor, Jackson radiated barely contained energy, his eyes wild with urgency.
"Marc Stone has crossed into neutral territory with fifty warriors," he announced without preamble. "He's requesting an audience with Father."
Maison's expression hardened. "When?"
"Now. They're at the outer gates."
My blood turned to ice. "He knows," I whispered. "Thomas must have gotten a message out before—"
"No," Jackson interrupted, his eyes finding mine with startling intensity. "He's claiming one of our rogu
