The bells tolled three times.
Deep. Grim. Final.
The cheering in the square died instantly. Wolves turned. Heads lifted. Smoke curled black against the dawn sky above the north wall.
Lucian stepped forward on the balcony, half-shifted, power radiating off him in brutal waves. His voice carried like thunder.
“Guards—crowd control! Women and pups to safety! Fighters guard the elderly and children. Inner walls—now!”
The square erupted. Wolves surged to obey. Mothers clutched children. Elders were rushed toward the keep. Steel clattered. Orders snapped like whips.
Beside him, Talia tried to breathe.
Her palm still burned where the stone had branded her.
And inside her—
Three heartbeats.
Steady. Fierce. Hers.
Kaela prowled beneath her skin, eager. Let them come. We’ll feed them in th
