Page 167 of House of Crimson Cloak and Silver Teeth

Finally, a flicker of interest.

“It’s too tight.” Darstan examines the leather.

He holds the collar up to the light, turning it to inspect both sides. His fingers trace over the surface, feeling for the silver runes etched into the inside. They glow faintly in the lamplight. I couldn’t see them while wearing the collar.

“This is binding magic. It’s hurting him,” Darstan surmises.

“It’s enchanted?” Aelfric steps closer, frowning at the collar.

He leans in to examine the runes, his single eye narrowing as he studies the symbols. The frown deepens as he recognizes some of the sigils.

“The runes are old and orkan. It could be cursed.” Darstan’s fingers pause on one symbol. “I’ll have Siofra examine it. She’ll know what this is doing to your dog.”

“Like I said, it’s not mine,” Garrett replies flatly.

Not his.

That’s right. I’m just an animal that wandered in. He moves toward me, reaching down to grab my scruff.

“Come on. Out.”

The last thread of hope snaps. Garrett’s not going to recognize me. He’s just going to remove me like any other inconvenience and toss me out of his chambers.

I’m nothing to him.

I twist and my jaws close around his forearm.

The movement is pure instinct, animal reaction to being grabbed. My teeth sink into flesh. A metallic taste coats my tongue.

“Garrett!” Aelfric’s sword rings as he draws it.

The sound of steel leaving the scabbard is sharp. I see the blade from the corner of my eye, positioned to cut me down. Aelfric is fast and decisive, protecting his new comrade without hesitation.

I release immediately, stumbling backward. Horror crashes over me as I see the bite marks on Garrett’s arm, deep punctures welling red.

Blood runs down his arm, dripping onto the floor in steady drops. The sound seems impossibly loud in the sudden silence.

What have I done?

Garrett cradles his arm, staring down at the wound. His face has gone pale and his other hand moves to cover the wound. Blood seeps between his fingers.

When he looks at me, there’s nothing in his eyes but shock. He still doesn’t know it’s me. Even after this, he just sees an animal that attacked him.

I run from Garrett’s chambers like the coward I’ve become.

My paws scramble for purchase on smooth stone as I bolt for the door. I hear shouting behind me—Aelfric calling for guards, Darstan moving to pursue. I don’t look back. I just run.

The stairs are easier to navigate on four legs. I burst through a door into the courtyard, where two Clayborne guards immediately raise their spears. Their eyes go wide as they register what they’re seeing.

“Wolf in the castle!” one shouts.

His voice carries, alerting everyone in range.

Torches light up the courtyard instantly. More footsteps echo from inside the keep.

The other guard lunges, spear point aimed at my ribs. He’s aiming for a kill. The angle would pierce my heart if it connected.

I dodge and my jaws find his arm. Bone crunches between teeth and blood floods my mouth. My jaws are strong enough to snap bone, designed for this.