The relic was gone. I didn’t even know it existed until Talon said we needed to protect it. But we failed. Alpha Alaric was furious, beyond reasoning. He knew someone would come for it eventually, but not that they’d take it so easily.
“You need help.” Alaric said as we stood behind the packhouse.
“I don’t want help. Talon’s helping me.” I said.
“He doesn’t know what he’s doing. The broker’s still here—we’ll use him. He’s a tool.”
“I’ll be there while they train. I don’t trust him.” Talon said.
“None of us do.” Ryn added.
“And you four will be there too?” Alaric asked.
“Yes. He won’t get a chance to hurt her.” Kael said.
“It’s not a coincidence. The same mark burned into the table is on his cane.” Talon said.
“You think I don’t know that?” Alaric snapped.
“How do we know he wasn’
