I turned away from Eric, speechless. Even though my feelings for Adrian were gone, that didn't matter. How dare he attack my pack? Especially while my brother was ill! He knew attacking now would give him an advantage.

"What a loser you are, Alpha Adrian!" I thought. "If you hurt my brother, I swear I won't let you go."

I watched my brother leave the pack house with Eric and his officials. The door closed behind them, as Jason had ordered.

The pack house also had a back door, a precaution to protect the royal family.

My father comforted my mother, assuring her everything would be alright.

I looked at my children and told the maids to put them to bed. My heart turned cold.

"Mommy, we don't want to sleep," Aria whined, nudging my hand. "Why are you all crying? Where did Uncles go?"

"Aria, go to your room with your brother."

She flinched at my cold tone. Noah took her hand and led her away.

"Don't make Mommy mad. Let's go to sleep," he said.

Aria hung her head and followed him, glancing back at me, but I couldn't respond. It was a life-or-death situation. I couldn't let my children get hurt.

I paced the living room, waiting for news from the fighters. An hour passed with no word. My patience exhausted, I headed for the—

"Where are you going?" My mother asked.

I shook my head. "Nowhere. I'm just checking the situation."

"Natalia, you don't have to. Stay inside, as your brother asked."

Disappointment washed over me. "Mom, Dad, how can you tell me to stay while my brother is alone in the war?"

"He's not alone. His officials are with him," my father retorted.

"Dad, he's ill. What if he can't shift? What if they attack him?"

"Then what do you want to do, Natalia?"

I averted my gaze. "Let me see."

I opened the door and stepped outside. I was stunned. Jason had stationed numerous guards around the pack house. They straightened at my approach.

"What's happening in the war?" I asked.

Their worried glances answered my question. "Why are you silent?" I demanded.

One bowed. "We're forbidden to tell you anything about the war."

My brows shot up. Jason had forbidden it? Was he afraid I'd go?

I closed my eyes, trying to mind-link with the officials. No response. Fear surged. I didn't know how to fight; I wasn't a warrior. Even if I wanted to help, I feared my inexperience would endanger my brother.

I decided to wait for news and turned back toward the pack house, but froze. A mind-link connected. A desperate, bitter growl.

"Natalia!"

It was our Gamma. "What happened?" I asked.

"Natalia, tell Alpha Martin to join us. Your brother's life is in danger."

Tears welled. My brother's life was in danger! I couldn't wait for news of his death. I had to do something. I couldn't tell my pa—

I turned from the pack house toward the forest. The guards stepped in front of me.

"Young Miss, Alpha Jason ordered us not to let you go, even if he dies."

My eyes blazed blue. I growled, nearly frightening them to their knees. "Don't stop me. If you try, I'll kill you all."

"T-That's Alpha's order!" one stammered.

They were surprised by my power. They weren't at fault; they were following orders.

"Don't worry. Your Alpha will be fine. His sister won't let him die."

I walked toward the forest. The sounds of howls and growls—closer than I expected—filled the air.

I shifted, a furious growl escaping me. Concern for my brother and rage at Alpha Adrian consumed me.

"I won't let you go tonight, Alpha Adrian. Let's see how you survive."

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