Evan's voice dropped into a deadly whisper:
"That can be arranged."
The moment Kael's roar shook the forest, shadows burst from every direction.
Huge wolves—coal-black, silver, and ash—rushed out from behind the trees,. Their eyes glowed with loyalty as they formed a protective circle around Kael and liana
Not human shadows.
Not witches.
Not spirits.
His people.
Liana froze.
"What—who—who are they?"
But she didn't get an answer.
Because one of the wolves walked forward.
The biggest one she had ever seen.
Its fur glowed faintly under the moonlight.
Its eyes sparked with intelligence.
Its presence was so powerful that even the other warriors lowered their heads.
Evan's eyes widened.
And for the first time since he appeared,
he looked afraid.
"That… that's impossible," Evan whispered, stepping back. "He shouldn't be here. That wolf—he answers only to—"
He shut his mouth.
Kael didn't move.
His expression didn't change.
But the air behind him vibrated with raw dominance.
The huge wolf growled a warning — a deep, ancient sound that shook the leaves from the trees.
Evan swallowed hard.
"You called them?" he hissed. "For her?"
Kael didn't dignify him with an answer.
That alone enraged Evan…
…but he wasn't stupid.
He flicked two fingers.
A swirl of dark red mist exploded around him — sharp, violent, angry.
Before Liana could blink—
Evan vanished.
Just gone.
The forest went dead silent.
Every single warrior and wolf immediately turned toward Kael…
"Alpha Warlock," they greeted in unison, their voices deep with respect.
Deep.
Respectful.
Devoted.
Liana's legs went weak.
"Kael…" she whispered. "Why are they bowing? Who are they? Why—"
Before she finished, Kael stepped toward her, eyes glowing brighten
Kael didn't waste time. He lifted liana into his arms again, his grip tight and possessive. "We are leaving. No one touches her. No one questions her."
But even with his command, liana felt their eyes on her… and not all of them were welcoming.
A few wolves lingered at the back, whispering among themselves.
She caught fragments:
"Human girl?"
"How can the Alpha carry her like that?"
"This is trouble…"
One pair of eyes in particular—sharp, angry, and filled with jealousy—locked on liana
She didn't know her name yet, but the hatred was clear.
Kael's enemies were not only outside the clan… some lived right within his pack.
Before she could ask anything, Kael's form blurred into black mist. The world spun.
Wind roared around them as he sped through his territory with supernatural speed, carrying her straight into his kingdom.
The gates of his castle opened on their own, responding to his presence.
Inside, he finally set her down gently.
"From now on," he said, brushing a strand of hair from her face, "you stay where I place you. This is for your safety, liana
A woman stepped forward—a beautiful maid with neat braids and calm eyes. She bowed deeply.
"My Alpha."
Kael nodded at her. "Lira. Take her. Prepare her chambers. She will stay in the East Wing."
Liana swallowed. "Y-You're leaving me?"
Kael's jaw tightened. "Only for the night. Rest. I'll return."
But before walking away, he leaned close, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper only she could hear:
"And don't trust everyone you see here. Not all in my clan want you alive."