"What about Alaric?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
"You went north. Toward the Black Realm. Did you check on him?"
"He's safe." Kael's grip tightens on my hand.
"The... person protecting him is keeping his word. But Sophia, there's something else. Something I learned while I was there."
"What?"
"Crimson Moon knows about the Black Realm," he says.
"Not the specifics—they don't know Alaric is there, not for certain. But they know someone has found a way in. And they're investigating."
"How long do we have?"
"Months. Maybe less." His eyes are dark with worry.
"They're cautious—the Black Realm's reputation keeps most wolves away. But eventually, they'll either find a way in or find someone desperate enough to try."
"Then we need to get him out," I say immediately.
"Not ye
