Page 47 of Marked

“Thanks?” I offer.

“No, I mean it,” she says. “You moved like a kid when you got here. Like you were just trying not to get stepped on. Now you walk like you’re waiting for someone to try you.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“It’s a warning,” she says flatly. “For them. Not you.”

That surprises me.

“Didn’t think you’d be on my side,” I admit.

“Don’t make it weird,” she mutters. “I’m not on your side.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Could’ve fooled me.”

“I’m on the side of whatever stops Cassie from acting like Luna means prom queen with claws,” she grumbles. “And for the record? I liked watching you flatten her.”

I glance down at my sneakers, unsure what to say.

“She’s not done,” Lila continues. “You embarrassed her. In front of everyone. That kind of thing doesn’t go away.”

I nod. “I know.”

“She’ll wait,” Lila says. “Cassie’s smart. She plays long games.”

“Then I’ll play longer.”

That earns me a short, quiet laugh.

“Good,” she says. “Because there’s something else you need to know.”

Her tone shifts. The fire fades into something heavier.

“There’s been a whisper. On the border,” she adds. “Dad hasn’t said anything official, which means he doesn’t want to spook the council—but the patrols have doubled.”

“What’s going on?” I ask, my voice barely audible.

She nods. “Rogues. Not close. Not yet. But they’re watching the mountain again. Like they’re waiting.”

Something cold slipsdown my spine.

“Does Bolton know?”

“Of course,” she says. “He’s been running night drills with Dax and the others. You’ll start training soon too. Wolves who’ve shifted have to be ready.”

I blink. “He hasn’t mentioned it.”

“He will,” she says. “He’s trying to protect you first. That’s what mates do.”

We fall into silence for another moment.

Finally, Lila pushes off the wall.

“I think you’ll be a good Luna,” she says, voice casual but tight.

I stare. “Wow. Was that an actual compliment?”

She groans. “Don’t make me regret it.”