“Where is your Alpha?”
Giuliana couldn’t help the tremble that spread over her at the mage’s voice. It was deep, thick with power.
“I am here.”
Dominic stepped forward, his head held high. As an Alpha, he had to show no submission to any below the Council level, and even then, he chose when he did. Kalinda was the only one to get his respect in such a way, but he only did it in official situations.
Otherwise, Romano would never let him hear the end of it.
The mage lifted his hand toward Dominic, and Giuliana crouched, ready to battle.
“Be calm, Enforcer. I am simply checking his reason for being here.”
“You could ask,” Romano offered, stepping up beside his Alpha.
“People lie.”
The mage’s gaze went white. It was so bright, Giuliana struggled to keep her eyes open as the runes on his hand sped over his skin with dizzying speed.
“Show me.”
Loud, so fucking loud. The words were a mark of demand, and Dominic’s eyes closed. After a moment, the mage gasped.
“I am Torin. As the Ales is in trouble, you will be allowed entry. I will escort you within Scorched Earth to your destination. Where is the Fae?”
Silva stepped forward, her wings midnight darkness and glittering stars. She wore her Fae armor, this time in all black to match her wings. It was stark against her white hair and violet eyes.
“I am Niamh Danaan of the Silver, and this pack is of my House.”
Torin’s eyes widened at that, and he glanced at Dominic. “Do you accept?”
For a moment, Giuliana’s Alpha’s gaze met Silva’s. She nodded, and he shrugged. “I accept.”
“As pack of the Ales and House of the Fae Queen of Seraph, you will be given immunity to any damages you cause within the Scorched Earth boundary. But let that destruction leak out, and I will end you all.”
As threats went, it was pretty badass. Giuliana could feel the weight of it settling around her shoulders, a promise instead of boast.
Who the hell is this Guardian?
Ancient, Red whispered.
How old?
I don’t know. Old enough to obliterate you, at least.
Gee, thanks, Red. Aren’t you sweet?
You asked.
Giuliana rolled her eyes at her wolf and watched as Dominic waived them forward. “I will head back to my mate. Keep me updated on the status of the battle, do you understand me?”
“Yes, sir!” the wolves called at once.
Pasquale rolled his shoulders, a warrior ready for war. Giuliana appreciated the long lines of his back and his direct stare at Torin.
Alpha.
Torin, as if summoned by her internal thought, surveyed Pasquale for a moment before he turned back toward what looked like a solid wall riddled with names.
