The air snapped.
No warning.
No countdown.
No final exchange of threats.
Just instinct.
The moment Kade's wolves shifted, the courtyard exploded into chaos.
Power rippled across the grounds as dozens of wolves lunged at once. Human forms blurred into massive wolves, clothes tearing away as claws, fangs, and fur replaced skin. Deep growls rolled through the estate like thunder, echoing against the stone walls until it became impossible to tell friend from enemy by sound alone.
The peaceful courtyard transformed into a battlefield in the span of a heartbeat.
Servants screamed from inside the mansion before being rushed toward secure rooms.
The guards stationed on the balconies drew weapons.
Archers took their positions along the rooftops.
Every member of Damien's pack moved exactly as they had trained.
There was no panic.
Only war.
Damien didn't hesitate.
He moved like something finally unleashed.
One second he stood protectively in front of Aria.
The next...
