They never reached the shrine that night.
A patrol horn sounded before the teams could leave.
Kael, Lyra, Sarah, and Albert ran toward the northern gate. Warriors surrounded a man lying in the mud. His clothes were torn, and silver restraints burned around his wrists.
"A rogue crossed the border," the patrol leader explained. "He surrendered."
Kael crouched in front of him. "Name."
The rogue laughed weakly. "Names are for wolves who belong somewhere."
"What do you want?"
"Her."
His bloodshot eyes found Lyra.
Kael moved between them.
The rogue smiled. "Possessive Alpha. Predictable."
"Why do they want me alive?" Lyra asked.
"Because dead wolves cannot open doors."
"What door?"
The rogue's grin disappeared. "The one beneath Crimson Fang."
Albert seized his collar. "Where is my mother?"
"I don't know your mother."
"Laura sent you."
At the name, fear flashed across the rogue's face.
Lyra saw it.
"You are afraid of her."
"I am afraid of what holds her leash."
