a game o

had mastere

. The wind was sharp, slicing through the night like a blade, but he barely felt it. His wo

. Precisio

rom their minds, and replaced it with obedience. Fear was an effective tool, but respect was sharper.

. And weakness had n

lp

older wolf was broad-shouldered and battle-worn, one

trol." Orion's voice was steady. "Ai

curled slig

ges and reckless bravery. Unlike the alphas before her, she didn't just inherit power-she commanded it. He had watched her

proving to be.

nger back," Orion ad

lly turned

you want something, yo

osted across Da

foo

s me better than I t

if we keep provoking he

aze, ice meeting steel

control. In knowing how far Aidana Draven could be pushed before she

n asked, arms crossed. "Are you t

drifting back to the moun

nce was agre

n them, each generation continuing the cycle. Dacre had never questioned it. Nightfang had taken from hi

wasn't like the

her, she wasn't bound by tradition or driven by reckless vengea

de her

t allow threats

you," Orion said

Dacre's voice was calm.

ignored him, he would find another way to draw her out. Either way, she would step i

dered. "Increase border move

d to leave, but hesitated. "And

but there was

now she's wo

e lingered on the distant ridg

aven want

each her h

rest with the ease of a shadow. He didn't announce his departure-h

is lungs as he moved toward the border, where the land between Shadowveil and Nightfang grew

he sensed movement. Som

ocky outcrop. The wind whipped through dark curls,

na D

lenge. Even from this distance, Dacre could feel her ener

le played

rest

p forward. Ne

ched, two predators in t

uld break. And Dacre intended