The ride with Lucien and James was silent.
Too silent.
Every step of the horse outside of the carriage felt like a drumbeat against my ribs, each one carrying me closer to a pack that was already broken.
At the border, the guards who greeted us weren’t warriors.
They were worn zetas, old omegas, frightened boys who hadn’t even hit their first shift.
Not one strong enough to hold a line or defend themselves from the smallest attack.
My gut was already twisted.
The new Alpha came to meet us.
A gaunt old zeta with bitter eyes and a limp.
His bow was shallow, his tone edged like a blade dulled by too much use.
“Alpha Amber. Alpha Lucien.”
His gaze lingered on me too long.
“So the rumors are true. The Omega Alpha walks in daylight.” His words wasn't hard but his voice made it soun
