Jesse had shifted back to his human form, his bare chest streaked with grime and blood. He stood like a shadow over the smoldering remains, fists clenched at his sides.
Bella breathed heavily, her body aching from the fight. Around her, the forest still pulsed with primal energy, like it hadn't yet decided whether the hunt was truly over.
"Gather everyone," Jesse ordered sharply. "I want a headcount and a report of any injuries. No one leaves this forest until we understand what just happened."
The guards scattered.
Bella started to follow but then something caught her attention. A glint of metal. Not far off, near the edge of the clearing.
She moved toward it without thinking.
The pendant was half-buried in moss, its leather cord snapped. She recognized the symbol—an insignia used only by royal messengers. The exact one the guards had mentioned. The one supposedly delivering new hunting maps.
Her stomach tightened.
This wasn't a random attack.
