POV: Ayla

The four days expire under a heavy, watchful night as I sit awake in my room, the bond humming with quiet tension between me and my three alphas. The summit has drained us all, but none of us can truly rest—not with the transfer window closing at midnight. When the urgent knock finally comes at the door, I am already on my feet, heart pounding steadily as Ryker and Zane step inside first, their expressions grim but victorious. Caius follows close behind, carrying a thick folder of documents that looks far too official for the late hour.

“They got him,” Caius says without preamble, his voice low and...