AISLYNFor a heartbeat, the foyer stays frozen.

Warriors hold their breath. Omegas press themselves against the walls. Even the air itself feels suspended, waiting for someone to make the first fatal mistake.

Ashlyn is the one who breaks.

Her mask fractures, just a slip , but enough.

Enough for me to see her fear.

Enough for the pack to smell it.

She recovers quickly, straightening her spine. “Guards,” she snaps, voice sharp with brittle authority, “seize her.”

No one moves.

The shadows ...