Within seconds, Caspian strode into the dining hall, every movement deliberate, his Alpha presence rolling off him like heat from a furnace. The dominance aura pressed against my skin, an invisible weight that lesser wolves would have buckled beneath.
For a moment, he paused beside the long table. His pale eyes shifted to the empty place where his breakfast used to sit.
He drew a breath, about to speak, but before he could form the words, one of his wolves entered the room. Grimshaw. His gaze was lowered, neck slightly tilted in deference to his Alpha.
He wore dark tactical gear, the leather holster at his hip carrying a silver-tipped blade that glinted under the morning light. He stopped several feet from Caspian, keeping the respectful distance expected of a Beta addressing his Alpha.
"Alpha, our scouts have confirmed it. The wolves who attacked Vivienne yesterday belonged to Lysander Ironvale's pack."
Caspian's gaze swiveled toward me. The irritation that had clouded his eyes moments ago drained away, replaced by something far more dangerous. Controlled rage. His wolf surfaced just enough to send a ripple of golden light through his irises.
"Ironvale," he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper, yet it carried a weight that sent a chill racing down my spine. My own wolf stirred uneasily in my chest, pressing low against my ribs.
He straightened, squaring his broad shoulders. His commanding presence swelled until it filled every corner of the room. "I want a full investigation. Every wolf who was there, every detail. I want to know why the Supreme Alpha targeted her."
Grimshaw dipped his chin in agreement, his expression grim. "Yes, Alpha."
"And make sure to bring me Ironvale's Beta by tonight," Caspian added, his tone colder than a winter kill. "Alive."
Grimshaw gave a curt nod and departed without another word, his boots silent on the stone floor.
Then Caspian turned back to me. His piercing gaze locked onto mine with the full intensity of an Alpha stare, the kind meant to force submission. I held it. My wolf held it too, refusing to bare her throat.
"You knew they were Ironvale's wolves." His voice dropped low, a growl threading beneath the words. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't think it mattered," I replied, keeping my voice steady. "You seemed preoccupied with more important things."