Chapter 64

The morning of the treaty signing dawned gray and cold, with a bitter wind that made Arianna's bones ache. She dressed carefully in formal attire—dark leathers that marked her as both Alpha and warrior, with Ravenwood's silver wolf insignia prominent on her chest. Professional, authoritative, ready for either diplomacy or violence depending on how the day unfolded.

Duncan waited in the courtyard with their escort—Helena, Thomas, Ruth, Blackthorn, and a dozen warriors chosen for their discipline and ability to remain calm under pressure. If this turned into an ambush, Arianna wanted wolves who wouldn't panic and start a bloodbath unnecessarily.

"You look terrified," Duncan observed quietly as she...