The ice broke with a sound like bone snapping.
Talia’s footing vanished.
One heartbeat she stood upright, breath locked in her chest—
Next, the world pitched hard toward black water and serrated ice.
Cold surged up her calves, a violent pull dragging her down.
The pups—
Kaela howled.
The cubs kicked in panic—three sharp, frantic pulses of fear that ripped through Talia’s core. Instinct tore through thought as she reached for the bond.
Lucian—
A hand closed around her wrist.
Not human.
Not wolf.
Something deeper.
“Talia.”
Alina’s voice was steady. Unafraid.
The world stopped.
The lake froze mid-motion. Broken ice hovered, suspended as if caught in an unseen grip. Water stilled. A low hum rolled through the air, vibrating through bone and marrow.
Talia lifted her head.
Alin
