The four mates didn't even exchange words. They all bolted out of their chamber like a pack of caffeinated ferrets on a mission.
Kai was the first to shift, taking on his half-wolf form for speed. Marcus moved beside him, the shadows curling around his boots as he vanished and reappeared every few feet.
Callum didn't shift entirely into his dragon form—no need to incinerate half the Dragon realm—but his legs did take on their draconic, taloned shape, and he let out a low growl that sent three poor servants diving behind a crystal pillar.
Samantha, bless her tired soul, had kicked off her shoes entirely and was sprinting barefoot across the floors, her hair bouncing in a way that made Marcus's ancient heart beat just a little faster. "If I find old vampires again, I swear—" she panted.
They made it to the eastern corridor, where Zara had last reported in, and were greeted by a very peculiar scene.
