Page 25 of When Two Worlds Collide

The journey back to my quarters passes in a blur. I should eat, but I have no appetite. I should sleep, but I know rest will elude me. Instead, I pace my small apartment, trying to outrun my thoughts.

Mate bond. With Zane Blackthorn. The universe must have a cruel sense of humor.

A knock at my door startles me. Who would visit at nearly midnight?

I open the door to find Councilor Thorne, his expression grave.

“I apologize for the late hour, Ambassador, but we’ve received troubling news. A group of radical settlers is planning an attack on the Shadow Wolf camp tonight.”

I feel a sudden chill of fear. “How do you know this?”

“One of them came forward—got cold feet about the plan. They’re moving now, armed with silver weapons.”

“We have to warn them.” I grab my cloak immediately. “How many attackers?”

“At least twenty. I’ve dispatched Haven’s Heart guards, but they may not arrive in time.”

I push past him, already running. “Alert the council. I’m going directly to the camp.”

“Ambassador, wait?—”

But I’m already racing through the silent corridors of Haven’s Heart. Outside, I sprint to the stables where my motorcycle waits. Within minutes, I’m speeding toward the northern forest, praying I’ll reach them in time.

The forest blurs around me as I push the machine to its limits. Fifteen minutes later, I leave the motorcycle at the forest edge and transform into my panther form, feeling my clothes tear away during the transformation.

In panther form, I move swiftly through the dense underbrush, my night vision guiding me toward the Shadow Wolf camp. I detect the scent of humans ahead—unwashed bodies, gun oil, and silver—hunters preparing for violence.

I alter my course to intercept them, tracking silently through the trees. Through gaps in the foliage, I spot the attackers—armed men and women moving with military precision toward the unsuspecting camp.

I have mere seconds to decide. Warning the wolves might alert the settlers, causing them to accelerate their attack. Attempting to stop the settlers alone might prove futile.

The decision becomes clear when I hear a child’s laugh from the direction of the camp. Cubs are in danger.

I circle wide around the attackers, pushing myself to maximum speed. Minutes later, I burst into the Shadow Wolf camp, startling several guards who immediately display teeth and claws.

I transform back to human form, disregarding my nudity in the urgency of the moment.

“Attackers coming! Armed settlers with silver weapons! There are twenty of them, and they’ll be here in five minutes!”

The guards hesitate only briefly before howling an alarm. Within moments, the camp transforms into disciplined chaos—warriors grabbing weapons, mothers gathering cubs, elders moving toward shelters.

Zane emerges from the central tent with Marcus at his side. His expression shows shock when he sees me.

“Ember? What?—”

“Radical settlers,” I explain breathlessly. “Silver weapons. Coming from the east.”

Understanding and determination immediately replace his surprise. He issues rapid orders to Marcus, who sprints off to organize the defense.

“Why are you here?” Zane asks, approaching me.

“Councilor Thorne learned of the plan. I came to warn you.”

Something flickers in his expression—surprise? gratitude?—before he gestures to a nearby female wolf. “Get her clothes.”

The woman hurries off, returning moments later with a simple dress. I quickly pull it on.

“You could have sent a messenger,” Zane says quietly. “Why come yourself?”

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