The storm had left its mark behind.
Her heart kicked once, hard. She strained to see, pressing her hands against the cold stone edge of the tower. The fog thickened, swallowing shapes. But there, between two crooked pines, a brief flash of movement.
A figure.
And then another.
Magnolia spun on her heel.
"Signal the courtyard!" she barked at the nearest sentry. "Raise the alarm!"
The man froze, startled. "Ma'am, ?"
"I said now!"
The bell sounded seconds later, its sharp clang cutting through the air. Wolves below shifted instantly into battle readiness.
Magnolia raced down the winding stairwell, her boots hammering against stone. Adrenaline flooded her chest. She hit the ground running, storming across the courtyard where Beckett was already barking orders.
"They're here!" Magnolia shouted. "North ridge. Multiple units."
Beckett's face darkened. "How many?"
"More than we're ready for."
Rhett appeared behind them, his voice low, controlled. "Positions."
