Chapter 6 · TheScent of Ash

The Alpha’s power hits the cave like a hand around mythroat.

I’m on my knees before I even decide to be. Stone bites into my palms. Mybreath puffs out in white clouds, hitching, refusing to come back in.

He’s here.

No. Not here yet. But close. Close enough for the ruined thing on my back to wake up screaming.

Nine nights ago, Valerius cut the mate bond out of me in front of three hundred wolves. The Obsidian Tribunal. It didn’t heal right. It’s a raw, jagged hole, and every time heputs a mile of earth between us, those edges catch fire.

I shove my wrist against my mouth,choking back a sob.

“Anything?” A voice outside. Young. One of the trackers.

“Ash is dead,” an older voice grunts. Closer. Right at the cave mouth. “Two days.Maybe three.”

“She can’t be three days out. He says she’s—”

“He says she’s close. He’s been saying that all week.”

Gravel shifts underheavy boots. I stop breathing entirely.

“He hasn’t slept,” the young one whispers. “Cassiantold me. Four nights. He just stands on the west wall, staring at the horizon.”

“Cassian talks too much.”

“Vane’s people are whispering.