Bastian’s POV

By the time Alaric and I step into town, I already know this isn’t going to be simple. Not because of the rumours. There are always rumours, half of them nonsense, the other half warnings people ignore until it’s too late.

I know because Jude and Shay don’t exaggerate, ever. When Jude tells you something feels wrong, you listen. When Shay tells you something feels interesting, you prepare. And when they both say the same girl doesn’t smell human, wolf, or witch?… You ...