Page 47

The first wave hit fast.

Rogues poured through the broken outer gates, claws flashing, fangs bared. The scent of smoke and blood thickened the air.

I didn’t hesitate.

I dove into the fight.

My daggers found their mark, slicing through an enemy’s side before I spun, kicking another rogue square in the chest.

Behind me, Jack shouted, “Cass! Left!”

I twisted just in time to block a strike, my blade clashing against a rogue’s claws.

Across the battlefield, I saw Alec.

He was a storm of fury, cutting down enemies without breaking stride, his silver eyes locked on one target.

Adrian.

He was fighting too—ripping through rogues with a lethal grace, standing alongside Alec’s warriors. His strikes were calculated, efficient. And yet, suspicion lingered in the air.

Was he truly helping us?

Or just playing a part?

I cut down another rogue and tried to move toward him—but suddenly, someone slammed into me.

I hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the air from my lungs.

Before I could move, a boot pressed against my chest.

I looked up—and froze.

Because it wasn’t a rogue standing over me.

It was one of our own.

A guard.

One of Alec’s men.

And his eyes?

They were filled with betrayal.

---

I felt it.

The moment Cassandra hit the ground, my instincts roared.

I whirled around, searching—and then I saw it.

One of my own men standing over her, blade raised.

My vision went red.

I moved without thinking.

One second, I was across the battlefield.

The next?

I was tearing him away from her, my claws ripping through his side.

He barely had time to gasp before I threw him to the ground.

I turned to Cassandra. “Are you hurt?”

She exhaled, shaking her head. “I’m fine.”

I looked back at the traitor, my chest tight with fury. “Who sent you?”

The guard smirked.

And then—before I could stop him—

He bit down on something.

Poison.

His body went limp.

My jaw clenched.

The betrayal wasn’t just coming from outside the walls.

It was inside, too.

And someone had just tried to kill my mate.

---

The battlefield was still smoking when I finally caught up to Alec.

He stood near the edge of the courtyard, his back to me, his hands clenched into fists.

I knew that stance.

It meant he was furious.

I exhaled, stepping closer. “Alec.”

He didn’t turn.

I tried again. “We need to talk.”

His voice was low. Dangerous. “Not now.”

I frowned. “Yes, now.”

Finally, he turned. His silver eyes were stormy, wild.

“You almost died.”

I stiffened.

Alec took a step toward me, his presence thick with barely contained rage.

“One of our own turned against us,” he growled. “And I don’t know who else I can trust.”

I met his gaze. “You can trust me.”

Silence.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

Then—his mask cracked.

Just slightly.

Alec exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “I need to figure out who betrayed us.”

I swallowed. “And Adrian?”

His jaw ticked. “He fought beside us. He saved my men.”

I hesitated. “Then maybe he isn’t the enemy.”

Alec’s expression was unreadable. “Maybe.”

But I wasn’t sure if he truly believed that.

---

If there were traitors among us, I had to find them.

We set the trap that night.

Cassie and I spread rumors—made it seem like we were moving supplies to the eastern border. If there were more spies inside our ranks, they’d take the bait.

Now?

We waited.

Cassie stood beside me, hidden in the shadows of the training grounds. Her fingers were wrapped around the hilt of a dagger, her body tense.

She was ready.

I watched her carefully.

She had been too close to death today. And something deep, something feral, hated that I couldn’t stop it.

Hated that I couldn’t keep her safe.

Cassie glanced at me, raising a brow. “You okay?”

I exhaled. “No.”

She smirked. “Good. Means you’re focused.”

I shook my head. “You’re insane.”

She leaned in, her voice low. “And yet, you’re still in love with me.”

My breath hitched.

But before she could finish, movement caught my eye.

The trap had been sprung.

A shadow moved along the rooftops—too fast, too careful.

A spy.

Cassie saw them too. Her expression hardened.

I met her gaze.

She nodded.

Then we moved.

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Once all chapters are published, I'm gonna go back and make some MAJOR changes to the starting chapters.

Starting with Cassie's punishment, and I'll probably dial back on the insta love trope??

Anyways, so we trusting Adrian or not?

Thoughts?

Happy reading! ??

With love,

Izzy.