Rain led Issa down a long, quiet corridor within the Stonefang fortress. The stone walls here were smoother, the air warmer, and every occasional wolf they passed was either a high-ranking guard or a servant moving with quiet purpose. Issa walked beside Rain, her mind still reeling from the unexpected car ride and the silent stares of the Alphas at the entrance. The rich silk dress, which had felt like a costume moments ago, now felt like a strange second skin that she did not want.

They ...