Two hours before sunset
Victoria found the three Alphas in the war room discussing pack business.
They looked exhausted. Tense. Like they were going through the motions of leadership while their entire world crumbled.
"I need your help," Victoria said from the doorway.
All three looked up.
"With what?" Nicholas asked.
"A protection ritual," Victoria said, hating how easily the lie came. "For Lilith. Additional wards I want to weave around her before the transformation attempt tomorrow. Just in case."
"What do you need?" Sebastian asked immediately.
"Blood," Victoria said. "From all three of you. Your bond to Lilith is what anchors her to life. If I can incorporate that bond into protective wards, it might help stabilize her during the transformation."
It was plausible. Technical enough that they would not question the magical theory. Desperate enough that they would agree without hesitation.
"How much blood?" Lucian asked.
