Lila's POV:
On the third day, the northern bridal escort met us on the Old Post Road.
Keith checked Father's seal, then handed me a warming stone. He said they had caught several scouts in Greystone Gorge carrying Blackstone arrows.
"Thank you for warning us early. We've taken them back for questioning."
My grip slowly loosened around my cloak.
No one had died on that road this time.
By the time we reached Blackthorn Keep, night had fully fallen. A young man was helping the guards with a disabled supply wagon, a half axle over his shoulder.
Keith called him Alpha. He set the axle down, wiped his hands clean, and came to the carriage.
A scar cut through the outer edge of one eyebrow. His shoulders were broad, and he truly was only a little older than me.
His eyes landed on the band
