The shrine had been abandoned long enough for trees to grow through its outer wall.

Elara saw the broken moon above the entrance first.

A stone circle split down the middle.

Just as the assassin described.

Kael stopped beside her.

Joren and four Royal Guards spre

They caught the convoy before sunset.

Three wagons.

Eight armed escorts.

Fourteen young wolves.

All chained.

Elara saw the cages and forgot how tired she was.

Kael saw her face.

“So did Orion.”

“No heroics alone.”

Elara looked at him.

“That is n

Black Howler was quiet when they returned.

Not peaceful.

Quiet.

Fourteen rescued wolves filled the healer wing. Royal Guards moved through the corridors with lowered voices. Every captured black mark had been documented.

For the first time in days, no one was ac