As I lay there in wolf form, watching over them, rage boiled inside me with an intensity that seated even me. Tristan had done thit – force to choose between my children and my brother, made my babies cry in terror, threatened everything I loved. If I died tonight, these prel children would grow up without their mother, all because of his wounded pride and obsessive need for revenge.
I hate you, Tristan Wolfbane, I thought, my wolf form barely containing my fury. You’ve taken so much from me already, and now you might tak me from my children. I’ll never forgive you for this. Never.
Once they were asleep, I slipped out and hurried to my bedroom, thankful for the chance to transform back into human form and dress again in private.
Then I went back to the living room, pacing restlessly, unable to settle as minutes stretched into an hour with no news from the front. My parents sat silently on the sofa, hands clasped together, faces drawn with worry.
“Alaric can’t maintain his wolf form for long in his condition,” I said finally, breaking the silence. “He’ll be vulnerable.”
My mother looked up, her eyes red–rimmed. “Don’t, Lyss. Don’t torture yourself with these thoughts.”
“How can I not?” I stopped pacing, turning to face them. “Mom, I can’t just sit here doing nothing. If there’s something I could do to help Alaric
“You’re not going anywhere,” my mother interrupted, her voice suddenly shar
“Stay in the manor, just as your brother ordered.*
“How can you ask me to hide indoors while my brother is out there fighting?” I demanded, frustration bleeding into my tone. “Possibly dying?”
“He’s not alone, my father countered. “He has his soldiers.”
He’s sick, Dad. What if he can’t shift? What if they attack him when he’s vulnerable?”
My father’s expression hardened. “And what do you propose to do about it?”
I looked away, taking a deep breath. “Let me at least see what’s happening.”
I slipped through the rear emergency exit of Ravencroft Manor. To my surprise, a dozen guards stood posted around the perimeter, far more than normal. Alaric had clearly anticipated trouble–and my possible reaction.
One of the guards spotted me immediately, straightening to attention. “Ms. Ravencroft, you shouldn’t be outside.”
“I need information,” I said, moving closer. “What’s happening at the front? Is my brother safo
The guards exchanged guarded looks, their reluctance obvious.
“Tell me,” I insisted, my patience fraying.
“We’re sorry, miss,” the senior guard said with a respectful bow. “Alpha Alaric specifically instructed us not to share any battle information with you. He was concerned you might… act impulsively.”
I bit back a retort, understanding my brother’s reasoning even as it frustrated me. Instead, I reached out through our pack mind–link, trying to contact any officials who might respond. Silence greeted me, deepening my fear.
A voice suddenly crashed into my mind.
Lysandra!
I recognized our Delta’s mental voice, strained with panic.
1/3
What’s happening? I responded Instantly. Is Alarie skny?
The answer came in broken fragments, as if he was struggling to maintain the connection. Tell… Alpha Caspian….come immediatly brother… dying.
Ice Nooded my veins. What happened? Tell me!
Ambush… Tristan’s forces… too many… Alaric collapsed… can’t hold them back much longer.
The connection severed abruptly, leaving me shaking with fear and rage. Tristan was really doing this trying to kill my sick brother, knowing full well his condition.
i couldn’t send my father–I wouldn’t risk losing both him and Alaric in one night. But I couldn’t abandon my brother either.
“I’m going to the front, I announced to the startled guards, already moving toward the forest.
Two guards immediately stepped into my path. “Ms. Ravencroft, please return inside. We have strict orders.”
I faced them squarely, letting some of my power rise to the surface. “I understand your orders. Now understand mine. My brother is dying out there. I’m going to him.”
“Alpha Alaric specifically said, even if he dies in battle, we cannot let you leave,” the guard insisted, though I noticed him take a small step back.
I paused, thinking of my twins sleeping peacefully upstairs, of my parents who had already lost so much. Then I thought of Alaric, weak and vulnerable, facing Tristan’s wrath.
“If Alaric dies,” I said quietly, “do you think any of us will be safe? Tristan won’t stop there.”
The guards shifted uncomfortably, unwilling to directly challenge me yet bound by their orders.
“I have to go,” I continued, my voice taking on an edge of command. Not to fight, but to stop this war. Your duty is to protect my family and my children. Mine is to protect my brother.”
The guards still hesitated, looking uncertain.
“Don’t worry,” I added with grim determination. “You can tell my father I left of my accord. Your Alpha will be fine. I won’t let him die.”
Without waiting for their response, I turned and strode toward the forest. No one moved to stop me.
The deeper I ventured into the trees, the more clearly I could hear it–the snarls and howls of battle, the cries of pain and rage. The sounds were closer than they should have been, which meant Tristan’s forces were advancing toward our home. Soon they’d reach the manor itself.
I stopped at the edge of a small clearing, closing my eyes and letting my senses expand. The night air carried the metallic tang of blood, the sharp scent of fear. Somewhere in that chaos was my brother–and Tristan.
The change came easily this time, my body shifting smoothly into my wolf form. Purple fur rippled over muscle and bone, my senses expanding exponentially. The world transformed around me–brighter, sharper, rich with information.
I launched forward, my paws barely touching the ground as I raced toward the sounds of battle. My heart pounded not just with exertion but with fury and bloodlust. Each bound brought/me closer to vengeance.
Tonight I’ll rip out your throat myself, I thought as I ran. You wanted war? I’ll show you death, Alpha Tristan. Your blood will soak the forest floor for what you’ve done to my brother.
