Helena's POV
The journey to Shadowcrest territory stretches endlessly before us, and Yannis's presence beside me only amplifies my anxiety. I had attempted to slip away under the cover of darkness, but he intercepted me at the border with fury blazing in his eyes.
"This is complete madness," he snarls, his words cutting through the tension. "Are you aware of how many adversaries you've accumulated? Wildmane works tirelessly to ensure your safety, and you drag me to this cursed place?"
His arm sweeps dramatically toward the imposing Shadowcrest gates looming ahead.
The massive entrance rises before me like a harbinger of doom, all shadows and iron, making me question every choice that led me here.
"Watch yourself," I bite back. "Your Alpha father might start wondering if his precious heir trembles before a cast-out wolf."
His mouth twists into a sneer. "Fear has nothing to do with it. I simply refuse to be reckless."
