~SYLION'S POV~
The words struck me... Vampires, here? My chair scraped back hard.
"Take her," I barked at the first guard, pointing at Elowen. "Straight to my room and lock the doors. Stay with her until I return."
"Yes, Alpha."
Elowen's eyes widened, her hand trembling as she rose. "Be careful, Sylion."
Her voice, soft but laced with fear, pulled at me. I wanted to hold her, shield her with my own body but there was no time. I gave her one last look, a silent vow burning in my chest, before she followed the guard out.
I turned to the second guard. "With me."
We pushed through the double doors, boots echoing on the polished floor, until the night air of the courtyard hit us.
There they stood.
Three figures dressed in black, pale faces sharp under the glow of the lamps. At their center, a woman... tall, striking, her red lips curved into a smile that was anything but kind.
My wolf snarled inside me, furious at the stench of them on Tharros soil.
