The First Sign of Danger
The lanterns above glowed warmly as Isla and Draven danced among their pack, their movements fluid and natural, a testament to the unbreakable bond they shared. Isla’s silver hair shimmered like starlight, and Draven’s hands held her as if she might vanish. For the first time in weeks, Isla felt light, the joy of the pack washing over her like a balm.
“You’re smiling,” Draven murmured, leaning close. “I should bring you to the dance floor more often.”
Isla laughed softly, her cheeks flushing. “You’re dancing, once again.”
“With you,” he replied, spinning her gently, “I’d hate nothing.”
As the song ended, they made their way back to the table, Isla’s hand resting lightly on Draven’s arm. But the moment they arrived, she froze.
A wolf lay sprawled near the edge of the feast, his body convulsing violently, foam bubbling at the corners of his mouth. Guests gasped, and the music screeched to a halt.
Draven’s instincts kicked in immediately. “Get Micah!” he barked, his voice slicing through the chaos.
Isla’s heart raced as she scanned the table. Her goblet was overturned, the remnants of its contents pooled on the ground.
Micah rushed forward, dropping to her knees beside the wolf. She worked quickly, her hands steady as she sniffed the liquid staining the goblet and the wolf’s muzzle. Her face went grim. “Poison,” she announced, her voice cutting through the silence. “And strong enough to kill.”
The crowd rippled with unease, wolves glancing at one another as whispers spread like wildfire.
Draven’s hand closed into a fist, his eyes sweeping the room with deadly intent. His voice dropped to a dangerous growl, each word precise and heavy with menace. “Someone tried to kill my mate. My children.” He turned to his guards, his fury barely restrained. “Find them. Now.”
Isla stood beside him, her fingers brushing against his arm. Her voice was steady, but her silver eyes burned with quiet fury. “Whoever did this won’t get away with it.”
Draven’s gaze softened briefly as it fell on her, but only for a moment. He turned back to his pack, his Alpha authority cutting through the room’s tension like a blade. “No one leaves this territory until we have answers. Lock it down.”
