The direwolf was waiting when Reign limped into the cavern.
Its growl rolled through the ice like distant thunder, low enough to vibrate in her bones. Those ancient eyes fixed on her chest, where the fire marks still glowed faintly beneath torn fabric.
She collapsed against the nearest wall, breathing hard. Every movement made the brands pulse with heat that didn't belong in her body.
The direwolf stepped closer, hackles raised. "You let him touch your power."
"I didn't let him do anything." Reign's voice came out rougher than she intended. "He forced it during the fight."
"Forced or not, the damage is done." The creature circled her, frost cracking beneath its massive paws. "That mark isn't just a wound. It's a claim. His fire sought your spirit. The arrogant fool tried to forge a ma
