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A lone candle lit the window, signaling the Wolves’ presence at the far end of town. We crept through the outer streets, wading through calf-deep puddles to keep to the shadows. The rainstorm had eased to a fine mist that coated our faces as we prowled closer. The others broke off to the building across the street while Grae, Hector, and I snuck around the back.
I pointed a finger up to the darkened window next to the illuminated one. Grae crouched and put out his hands to give me a boost. He vaulted me upward with ease, and I hooked my elbows around the open window ledge. The rotten wood groaned as I anchored my leg and swung myself inside. I paused, listening to the low, mean growls of men talking in the adjacent room. I peeked out the window and gave Grae a nod. He took a step backward and then ran, leaping up to the window ledge and swinging himself inside in one swift movement.
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at his act of stealth and strength. The Gods were taunting me with this gorgeous Wolf. Hector appeared through the window before I could tell Grae as much, snapping our mission back into focus.
We tiptoed to the far wall, where flickers of candlelight flashed through the splintering boards. I pressed my eye to the widest gap, fighting the urge to gasp as I spotted Sadie sitting inthe corner. Her wrists and ankles were bound, her face swollen and bloodied. Navin sat in mirror to her, panting as he rested his head against the wall.
Four Wolves loomed over them. Hemming, Soris, and the two others whose names I’d never bothered to learn. They were the same height as Hemming, but younger and leaner, looking the same age as me. They’d be the easiest to take down. Get them first and then we’d have a better chance against the others.
“Where are they, Sadie?” Hemming asked, storming up to her and smacking her in the face.
She didn’t answer and Hemming booted her in the gut. Sadie cried out, and Hector unsheathed the dagger on his hip.
Grae stayed his hand.“Wait for the signal,” he signed, and I was grateful to Mina I’d learned enough to understand. Our voices would carry too well through the splintering walls.
“We can take them,” Hector signed back.
“Yes, but they might kill one of them before we fight our way in,” I signed.I frowned at Hector. If anyone died, it would be my responsibility. If I was going to take the throne of Olmdere, every death, every loss, would be mine to bear. “We need to draw them out. I promise—this will work. Wait for the signal.”
Hector’s muscles went as tight as a bow string, but he stayed put.
“I don’t know!” Sadie sobbed. “I ran off with the human. I broke off from them in Taigos. I don’t know where they are.”
“I’ve known you since you were a pup.” Hemming spat at her. “Your parents would be so disappointed you turned into a bloody skin chaser—even more so than disobeying your King. But here’s the thing: I don’t believe you. You think I’d accept you abandoned your pack for a human? You think I’m that stupid? Fine then. I know what will get you to talk.”
He whirled on Navin and kicked him so hard on the jaw that Navin’s eyes rolled back.
“Stop!” Sadie screamed. “Gods! Stop!”
Blood trickled from Navin’s temple as he blinked vacantly,trying to stay conscious. There would be no shifting for him, no magical healing. If they injured Navin badly enough, he wouldn’t survive his wounds.
“Hmm—maybe she does love this human piece of filth—”
“Hemming,” Soris growled, tipping his chin to the window above Navin’s head. “We’ve got a problem.”
Orange light flashed through the window.
“I guess we don’t have to find them after all.” Hemming chuckled, rubbing his hands together. “I knew they’d be foolish enough to try to save you, you lying bitch.” He turned to the two wolves behind him. “You two go find them. Bring them back here.”
The two younger Wolves darted to the door at his command.
“Do you think they’ll be able to take Grae?” Soris asked, looking in the direction they left.
“Grae is a good enough fighter, sure—I should know,” Hemming huffed. “I was the one who first put a sword in his hand. But him and Hector against Ax and Fedic? Againstmyboys? Not a chance.”
“A proud father of many strong boys. I thought you were already at the top of the heap, Hem,” Soris said with a low chuckle. “But look at you now. Your eldest is Nero’s heir. Evres will take Olmdere and you’ll have the wealth of two kingdoms at your fingertips.”
Grae’s fists clenched by his side.
Soris’s eyes stayed fixed on the far wall. “And Grae’s mate? Do you think they’ll find her, too?”
“She was trained to protect the Crimson Princess, but she’s never been battle-tested.” Hemming shrugged.
I shook my head, realizing I was still a nameless Wolf to them. King Nero wouldn’t tell anyone I was a Marriel, especially not after disowning Grae. My name would only legitimize Grae’s claim to Olmdere.
“Grae would never let his mate come along into battle,” Soris jeered. “She’s probably hiding in a hole somewhere.” Grae and Iexchanged glances. I winked at him and his cheeks dimpled, his canines flashing.
“No matter,” Hemming said. “When we kill Grae, she’ll die, too.”
