The rain had barely dried from the stones of the courtyard when the first scream tore through the night.
Aria was still at the broken steps of the mansion when it came—a high, sharp sound that ended too fast. Every muscle in her body snapped taut. Wolves surged to their feet, eyes flaring gold. Dominic’s hand was already at her arm, pulling her back as shadows moved in the ruins beyond the gates.
“They’re here,” Kellen hissed, his eyes flicking over the glowing console strapped to his chest. “Multiple heat signatures—fast, organized. At least twenty. Maybe more.”
“Who?” Vincent asked, spinning his knife in his hand like it was a coin toss.
Before Kellen could answer, the gate exploded inward.
Metal screamed, stone shattered. Wolves in black armor poured through the gap, moving with mi
