The warning followed them all the way back to the fortress.
No one spoke.
Aria walked beside Kaelen, their hands still joined.
The silver Guardian mark on his chest remained visible beneath his torn shirt.
Elias had refused to explain it completely.
Rhaek had refused to speak about it at all.
And that frightened Aria more than anything.
When they entered the war chamber, the doors were immediately sealed.
More than twenty pack leaders were waiting.
Lucian stood among them.
King Theron was there too.
Darius remained under guard.
Everyone turned when Aria entered.
Kaelen followed.
The room fell silent.
Elias placed the ancient scroll on the table.
“The Fifth Ancient has declared its target.”
One of the Alphas frowned.
“Aria?”
Elias shook his head.
“Kaelen.”
A murmur spre
