ISABEL POV

I slipped out of Wolfshade, taking a route that wouldn’t lead directly to Thornridge. This was a necessary sacrifice to avoid conflict between the two most important men in my life. Sneaking out undetected was surprisingly easy; which was a stark difference from what had happened the last time I had tried to leave Wolfshade. I hung on to the belief that Alpha Xavier didn't have anyone looking for me, which was what I suspected had happened the last time.

I had meticulously noted the positions of all the border guards and made sure to steer clear of Luc and Samon. Those two seem to have a personal...