ALDRIC

I stare into the panicked eyes of this Alpha.

I've never particularly liked her, but her brother is a valuable member of the Guardians, and now, the only one who can read those Altars.

"Why were you carrying Valeria as if you were running away? I know you heard my lycan's roar—why the hell didn't you wait for me and instead put her in danger again?"

I tighten my grip around her throat, anger boiling inside me as the memory flashes back—seeing them being dragged by the current when I reached the drainage outlet.

I hadn’t even thought before jumping in after my mate.

"S-Sir... I-I was injured from the fight... I was scared more of those dark holes in the walls would open again... that more enemies would come and kill us before you arrived... I acted on impulse... I panicked and jumped without thinking..."

Her voice stammers, and I lean in closer, watching her trembling, erratic eyes.

When I arrived, I clearly saw the shadow of a man escaping through that same wall opening she men