Wolves growled in support, sound rumbling like distant thunder.
Several witches stiffened, magic humming beneath their skin, visible in the air like heat shimmer.
Aurelia pressed against Dani’s side, small fingers digging into her coat.
“We have been called to a summit,” Lavinia said evenly, “a matter of urgent danger to all species. We will not turn back.”
Chase’s jaw worked, but he didn’t budge. “Then you will wait here until my alpha arrives to dismiss you himself.”
“Bring him out,” Lavinia demanded.
“He is coming,” Chase replied. “Until then, this border holds.”
Wolves shifted nervously, some baring their teeth.
Dani’s heart hammered against her ribs. She could almost feel the proximity of Arthur like static before lightning.
He was coming.
He was close.
She tasted metal on her tongue.
The witches began to murmur heatedly. Lavinia raised her hand, but tension thrummed through the air like a drawn bowstring.
A voice cut through the rising hostility from the far side of the clearing. “Stand down, Chase.”
Dani’s breath caught.
From the opposite tree line, a second pack emerged, sleek-bodied wolves with dark pelts and sharp eyes moving with lethal confidence.
At the fore walked Dominic Volkhov.
He strode forward with the certainty of a man who had won every fight he had encountered. His warriors flanked him, forming a second line opposite the Nordan.
Her breath caught. He had been a brooding teenager when she’d last seen him. She barely recognized the formidable warrior at the helm of the mighty Volkhov.
“The witches travel under our protection,” Dominic called. “They will pass.”
Chase stepped forward, bristling. “Not without Nordan clearance.”
“Your clearance is irrelevant,” Dominic replied coolly. “They were invited by me.”
“This is Nordan territory.”
“This is neutral land.”
“My alpha says otherwise.”
Magic crackled in the witches’ hands. Wolves snarled, pushing forward. The air turned dangerously thin.
Aurelia’s breath hitched. Dani wrapped an arm around her, pulling her back.
“Mom,” Aurelia whispered, “they’re going to fight—”
“No, they aren’t,” Dani whispered tightly. “They can’t.”
But gods, they wanted to.
