Amara didn't sleep.
Not after what just happened.
She kept the lights on and sat at the edge of her bed, staring at the envelope as if it might bite her.
She didn't know who to call.
There was no one.
No best friend to rant to. No roommate to joke it off with. Just her and the creeping certainty that someone out there wanted her gone.
By morning, the town had resumed its usual rhythm; distant horns and hurried footsteps.
She held her phone in one hand. Her fingers hovered over the screen, debating.
Lucian Blackwood.
She didn't have his number.
But she knew where to find him.
And something told her he already know what happened.
She headed out.
The forest that bordered the edge of town looked darker than she remembered.
The last time she met Lucian, he'd looked at her like she was a mistake in the universe.
But she didn't care.
She needed answers.
And the wolves had them.
The dirt road to the Blackwood territory was rough and unfamiliar. Amara had to walk .
By the time she reached the wrought-iron gates, she was shaking.
A guard stepped out from the trees.
You're not supposed to be here.
Tell Lucian I need to talk to him, she said.
The guard frowned, clearly annoyed by her presence. And if he doesn't want to talk?
Amara swallowed hard.
Then tell him I'll wait.
She sat on a cold stone bench outside the gates.
Minutes passed.
Then an hour.
Just as the sky started turning orange, she felt his presence .
Lucian.
Dressed in black,His expression unreadable.
You've got guts and determination, he said.
No, she replied. I've got a threat and no one else to turn to.
Lucian raised a brow.
Amara held out the envelope.
He took it. Read the note
You should have ignored it he said.
I didn't start this,I am clearly confused she snapped. But I'm in it now."m
Lucian's gaze met hers.
And for just for a second there was something in his eyes that looked a little like concern.
Alright he said. You want answers?
He opened the gate.
Then come get them. But don't say you weren't warned.