Gosto stepped between me and the wolves, shielding me with his body as he shoved me back into the corridor.

“Alighiero,” he hissed, his claws unsheathing into lethal blades, “walk away and take your wolves with you before I consider this an act of treason.”

“I’m here out of loyalty, Agostino,” the old wolf replied, bowing his head.

“Loyal to who?” Gosto’s snarl echoed through the hall.

“To your family!” Alighiero snapped back, though he quickly lowered his voice ...