The wolves dropped to one knee as though an invisible command had passed through them, and the sudden movement was so complete that Alessandro felt a cold pressure settle over the forest, because these were not frightened soldiers obeying a familiar Alpha but warriors responding to something older than allegiance and far more instinctive than political loyalty. He remained standing in the centre of the road with Luca and Victor behind him, his gaze moving across the kneeling figures until it reached Alexander, who had not lowered himself and was staring at his brother with the same bewilderment that had appeared in his own eyes. "Tell them to rise," Alessandro said quietly, and Alexander's shoulders stiffened before he answered.
"I can't."
"You brought them here."
"I told them to confront you, not kneel."
"Then whatever is happening has nothing to do with you."
