All around us, the collision of bodies, flashing steel, and snarling raged like a blur. Every part of me was struggling to keep up with the mayhem that was happening all around me, and every instinct was on high alert. Beside me, Lucien was ferocious and uncompromising in his defense of our pack, moving with ease and strategy. Amid the chaos, I briefly had a glimmer of optimism. We were keeping the line together.
In the middle of the battle, however, I saw Valen, his figure gliding through the mob with elegance, almost as if he had a purpose. I was a little uneasy as he moved through the most intense areas of the fight with an odd resolve in his gaze.
There was a problem.
My voice could hardly be heard above the din as I spoke the urgent words, "Lucien." "Observe Valen."
