ed alpha quarters, Thaleon's tiny form swaddled against her chest. Around her, Obsidian Claw warriors barked orders, drag

r voice frayed. "Swear you'll prote

nt's breath warm against her skin. "By earth and mo

ne, lifted his bloodied face. "

of her hair with a dab of bitter yarrow paste. "The tonic will hold. But you must play

pped throu

nd him trailed Varys, his Beta-a lean, sharp-faced man with eyes like

l as laborers. Those who resist?" He nodded to Varys, who dragged a limping Si

aric's growl died as a

e slicing to Nymeria. "T

ds of her cloak. "Barely, my lord. The tonic

nterrupted, smirk

roared as he yanked her cloak aside. Thal

muttered, nostrils flaring.

ied smoothly. "He'll never carry

shes-too long, too soft. Then he shoved Nymeria back. "Keep y

Varys lingered. "A boy who smells of herbs a

tighter. "Mercy, Beta.

ach his eyes. "See tha

-

ers. Nymeria received hers without a sound, shielding Thaleon from the smoke. Seraphine and Ala

es, her hands steady despite the screams outside. Thaleon gurgled in a

's tongue. The infant stilled, her scent fading to a dull, genderl

The cellar do

ng the room. "You'll move to the omega quarte

fened. "But

I toss him to the bor

he bowed, her

Thaleon. Nymeria waited until his foots

her oath clawing at the silence.

d moon watched, c