I heard Ariana's snarl from outside the circle, furious, helpless.

Shane's low rumble of worry.

Through the pack bond, my wolves were in agony.

Watching their Alpha bleed, unable to do anything about it.

Through the mate bond, Valtherion was worse.

His emotions hit me like a wall, controlled fury, desperate restraint, every cell in his body screaming to intervene, the iron discipline to stay still.

His fists were clenched so tight his knuckles had gone white.

I'm okay, I pushed through the bond. Trust me.

A sharp pulse back. Not words.

Just raw, ferocious belief.

I trust you. Always.

I rolled to my feet.

Spat blood.

Faced Cassian.

He...