The fires in the courtyard still smoked by morning. Charred wood lay scattered across the stone, and the acrid stench of burnt flesh clung to the air despite the healers’ efforts to cleanse it. Warriors had already dragged the rogue bodies beyond the border, leaving only blackened stains as proof of the attack.

But proof wasn’t what lingered.

It was fear.

Bella felt it as she stepped into the courtyard with Alfred, the hush that swept over the gathered pack. Wolves bowed their heads out ...