“Let’s just say the Ashenfell Alpha line has roots everywhere.” His grin flashed dangerously. “Including the docks you’re worrying about.”
We rolled into a narrow gap between two abandoned forge-houses. The salty wind carried hints of incoming storm-magic as he killed the engine. Through the iron fence, shadows shifted — Wintermoon wolves.
“Four in sight,” I murmured, checking my crescent-forged pistol. “Probably more hidden.”
“Six.” Marcellus drew his own weapon. “Two perched on the roof. Amateurs — silhouette sharp against the moonlight.”
I studied him under the dark sky. The playful Alpha Prince was gone, replaced by a lethal predator whose movements whispered war.
“You’ve done this a lot.”
“More than I care to recount.” He checked his magazine. “Stay close. We’ll slip through the maintenance burrow.”
“I can take care of myself.”
“I believe you could.” His fingers brushed my arm. “But we fight stronger together, don’t we?”
The maintenance tunnel was pitch-black, reeking of rust and old ocean magic. Our footsteps echoed despite soft pads on our boots. At the far end, voices drifted through the vent — Wintermoon wolves arguing.
“They’re trying to pry the moon-locked container open,” I whispered.
“Not much longer.” Marcellus pressed to the wall and gestured. “Ladies first.”
I rolled my eyes and stepped forward anyway. The cold metal of my weapon steadied my nerves as I advanced. Whatever was inside that container, Sorenna wanted it badly enough to risk a territorial war.
I crouched behind stacked crates. Marcellus’s breath warmed the back of my neck as he leaned close. The container strained under the wolves’ attempts to open it.
“We need some distraction,” I murmured.
Marcellus’s hand glided briefly over my waist as he reached into his jacket. “Already ahead of you.” He held up a tiny rune-device. “I’ll throw to your count to three.”
He slipped past me in the shadows, threw the device, and three heartbeats later — a blinding flare and thunderous crack shattered the night.
Shouts erupted. In the chaos, Marcellus caught my hand, pulling me toward the container. His touch sent sparks through me, but I forced myself to stay focused.
“Stood in front of me,” I said, slipping free to examine the lock. Still intact.
Marcellus stood behind me, back pressed to mine, a solid, reassuring presence. I opened my communicator to call reinforcements.
“Watch out your back!”