Gasps rose all around me, a ripple of disbelief spreading through the garden.
From the hill where the Alpha's estate sat, everyone turned to look beyond the walls.
I followed their gaze. Smoke curled into the twilight sky, thick and black, rising from the central part of town. Beneath it, red light flickered, hungry flames devouring what they touched.
The priestess holding the chalice faltered, her hands shaking. The wine sloshed dangerously close to spilling.
The rite was broken, disrupted in a way no one had expected.
Before anyone could speak, another voice rang out, this time from within the manor.
"The back of the manor is on fire! It's spreading!"
Panic scattered across the gathered crowd. Warriors stiffened and broke formation, some rushing toward the gates, others turning back to the manor itself. Finn was already on his feet, sharp commands leaving his mouth.
