Laura’s boots scraped against stone as she followed Lucian deeper into Bloodfang territory. Each step echoed in the quiet, and she became painfully aware of her own heartbeat thundering in her chest.
The further they went, the more she felt it—dozens of eyes tracking her movement. Not curious glances or welcoming stares.
But predatory watching.
The warriors didn’t bother hiding their assessment. They leaned against rocks with arms folded, or stood with claws flexing against their palms. Some had their muscles coiled tight, like they were just waiting for permission to attack.
She caught fragments of whispers trailing behind her.
“…doesn’t belong…”
“…weak…”
“…what was he thinking…”
Laura kept her spine straight and her face blank. She’d survived worse than hostile stares. She’d face
