Mel POV:
I don't like this.
The battle is over, but the unease in my gut hasn't settled. My ears are still ringing from whatever the hell Alessia just did, and my warriors look just as shaken. They won't say it outright - not with Derek standing so close to her - not in front of the Alpha - but I see it in their eyes.
Fear.
Alessia stands besides him, her fingers curled into fists, looking bold, yet confused. Because I don't believe whatever just happened - it wasn't normal.
And that makes it dangerous.
I tighten my sweaty fists to mask my impatience. The warriors are gathering, some helping the wounded, others whispering among themselves.
Derek strides ahead, leading the march back to the pack. He barely hesitated before deciding to bring Alessia with us, but I saw the flicker of
