Darius's POV
I watched Sienna race toward Kieran's howl, her freshly marked hands glowing with ruby light. Something had changed in her. I could sense it even from this distance.
The confusion after the attack gave me the perfect cover. While everyone focused on the damage, the dead, and the Ruby Wolf drama, no one noticed me slipping away to assess what really mattered: how badly my real goal had failed.
I ducked into the west corridor, carefully dodging the pack members clearing debris. Blood splattered the walls where three of our fighters had fallen. My fighters. The ones I'd sworn to protect as Beta.
My stomach twisted with a feeling I couldn't afford: guilt.
"Darius."
I froze at Yelena's voice. The young tracker stood behind me, her arm wrapped from shoulder to wrist.
"The Alpha is looking for all senior pack members. Emergency meeting in ten minutes."
I nodded, pushing my face to show nothing but calm. "I'll be there. I need to check the borders first."
