Damon's POV
The forest reeked of deception.
"Damon, the warriors tracked multiple rogue scents across the woods," Sailas burst in, his usual smirk replaced by grim urgency.
I was moving before he finished speaking.
"Seal the packhouse," I barked over my shoulder. The order wasn't just protocol— it was desperation.
Keep her safe. Keep my mate safe.
Aurelia materialized from the shadows as we crashed through the undergrowth. "Your Highness!"
"Report." The word came out as a growl.
"At least fifty signatures. All werewolves. Scattered toward the southwest." she said.
We hunted for hours. Followed scent trails of rotten eggs that doubled back on themselves. Found nothing. Nothing at all!
A ghost chase.
Ryan's snarl vibrated through my skull. 'We need to go back. To
