The Ancient Alpha? No. This couldn’t be happening right now. I heard Leo take a step forward and snarl, but I could feel his confliction. Erylis was long gone—that much was clear. Whatever the Ancient Alpha had done to him, he had completely taken over. Only, it was still his best friend’s body, and that was enough to let some complication seep in.

“Oh, Leo, must we be so harsh?” Erylis’ voice asked.

A smirk ran across his face, and I pressed my paw ...