Alaric stood in front of her, body blocking wind, bare feet in snow like he couldn't feel cold.

He didn't move. Blood dripped off his elbow onto snow.

Then sounds of footsteps were heard. More than one.

Dominic stepped out first. Arm bandaged badly. Blood seeping. Behind him, Greta, two council wolves, and Aurella wrapped in three blankets.

And dragging behind them by the hair, Ella.

Dominic threw her down. She landed hard next to the bridge.

Alaric didn't look at Ella yet. He looked at Dominic.

"Vincent?"

"Dead," Dominic said, breathing hard. "Tried to stab you in your sleep in the packhouse. Said Hazel's mother tried to kill you...