Before Thessian could respond, his burner phone buzzed sharply on the nightstand, the vibration slicing through the lingering haze of their night like a blade. Marco's name flashed across the cracked screen. He snatched it up, gold eyes narrowing as the voice on the other end crackled through the speaker, urgent and low.
"Scouts tracked your scent trail through the markets. AshenFall's too hot. The elders know about the human you marked. They're demanding your return to the mountain stronghold, and her as your 'trophy pet' for inspection. Betas are already circling the block. Move now, or they'll breach."
Thessian ended the call with a low, guttural curse that vibrated through his chest. Through the golden bond, his fury surged like a backdraft, hot, protective rage flaring straight toward Liora, wrapping around her ribs and squeezing. The link thrummed harder, alive with his alpha instincts: Mine to shield. Mine to keep.
