Before I saw them, I heard them.

The main hall was filled with angry, clipped voices that sounded like blades scraping stone. It wasn't a restless pack's typical murmurs. This was more audible. coordinated.

arranged. And it emanated through the walls with the undeniable power of a storm building.

Maya was as rigid as a board as she walked beside me. "Are you certain you're prepared for this?"

"No," I honestly replied. However, it is irrelevant. They don't wait for me to get ...