Chapter 29 · Past the Blood Door

The tunnel stopped at a wall.

Not a cave-in. Not rubble. A smooth stone surface with a door carved into it. Red streaks ran down from the top like someone had dragged bloody fingers across it years ago and the stains never washed off.

Ivy pressed her back against the opposite wall. Her neck throbbed where Cain's teeth had torn skin. Blood soaked through the collar of her shirt. Rex stood between her and the door, shoulders tight, staring at the markings like they might bite.

Mara crouched by the edge of the tunnel. Listening. The collapse had stopped but the silence felt worse. No howls. No footsteps. Nothing.

"We can't stay here," Mara said. She didn't look at the door. "If the structure's compromised we need to keep moving."

Rex didn't answer. His jaw worked like he was chewing words he didn't want to spit out.

Ivy wiped her neck. Her hand came away red. "What is that?"

"Blood door." Rex's voice came out flat. "Old pack boundary. You don't cross it unless the alpha lets you."

"Cain's not here."

"Doesn't matter." Rex turned his head just enough to glance at her.