The first guard post appeared exactly where Kael had predicted: a natural choke point where the tunnel narrowed, forcing anyone passing through into single file.
Two dark wolves stood sentinel, their eyes glazed with the telltale signs of binding magic. They didn't challenge the rescue team, didn't call for reinforcements. They simply attacked the moment Sarah rounded the corner.
"Contact!" Sarah barely got the word out before shifting, meeting the first wolf's charge with teeth and claws.
The tunnel erupted into chaos.
Ashina pressed herself against the wall, Daciana's shield flaring to life around them both as the warriors engaged. In close quarters, magic was dangerous, one stray bolt could hit their own people as easily as the enemy.
Through the bond, she felt Kendrick's battle rage, felt him shift and join the fray. His massive wolf form tore into one of the bound wolves, ripping through the binding magic with sheer Alpha authority.
