Damien's POV
I barely felt the cold night air as I crossed the border back into Blackthorn territory, the moon smudged behind thick clouds. My body was still warm from Adrian's touch, my skin holding the ghost of his hands even as I forced myself onward. I had promised him I would return before dawn, before anyone noticed my absence. It should have been simple. A quick return, silent and unseen.
But the forest grew too quiet.
Not the peaceful quiet of midnight, but a waiting quiet like breath held too long.
My wolf shifted uneasily beneath my skin.
The bond with Adrian, still warm from our reunion, suddenly prickled with warning. His heartbeat, usually a steady pulse in the back of my mind faltered, stuttering with confusion.
He felt it too.
A shadow moved to my left.
I drew my sword.
Another shadow dropped from the trees.
I didn't need to see the sigil on their armor to know who sent them.
Isolde.
