My muscles ached. Dancing until dawn and training without sleep was probably not the best idea, but damn, it made me feel alive. There was nothing better than the dull ache in my thighs with each kick, the spasm that threatened to take hold of my biceps with each punch. This is what it means to be alive: to feel pain and exhaustion and still move, still fight. My fist slammed into a sharp, defined jaw for the third time since I stepped into the ring. Almost every kick and punch hit its mark, only occasionally being deflected or blocked, but no attack has landed against me.

"Lee! We've been over this! Stop leaving your side open!" Jasmine was hollering from beside the ring, her brow furrowed in frustration. I didn't give the boy a chance to recover before slamming my foot into the side of his knee, causing him to topple onto his hands and knees.

"Get up, Lee." I grumbled, fighting a smirk as I kicked his side, causing him to curl over.

"I yield!" The young male's voice was hoarse as he gasped for air. His arms curled around his side where I kicked him. Not even five minutes. He didn't last five damn minutes.

"Dammit, Lee." Jasmine sighed before vaulting the fence and walked over to help the young male to his feet. "Manie, come get him." The other recruit, who was now a few shades paler than usual since his fight with me just before Lee, came over to help the other out of the ring. Both had a slight limp due to bruises quickly forming on their ribs and legs. I've been gone for three months, and it's as if they've learned nothing.

"Well done with training, Jaz." I teased with a smirk before brushing some of the dirt off my bare stomach.

"I tried, Commander. At least they can last five minutes; they started at two. They yielded on the first punch." Jasmine sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger.

"How about you show them how it's done then?" I challenged, flashing a fang through my grin, and her eyes brightened at the challenge. She knew I was in a good mood, so our fight could last hours.

"Hey, dipshits." Jasmine whipped around to face the two recruits lingering by the water fountain. "Next time, I want you to last 10 minutes, or you'll have daily training with the Commander. For now, watch and learn." The young males' eyes widened at the threat. I could hear their hearts racing at the idea of fighting me every day, and I could have sworn Manie grew even paler. However, they obeyed and found a spot around the ring to watch. Jasmine's gaze met mine again, and she gave me a lupine smile before stalking a few steps away from me, her eyes never leaving mine.

"Are you ready, beautiful?" I purred, rolling my neck and shoulder.

"Wherever you are, Commander." She countered by bouncing on the balls of her feet before assuming a fighting stance. Her feet were squared, her shoulders relaxed, and her hands were guarding her face and chest. This is going to be the highlight of my day. A heartbeat passed before we both moved simultaneously. Faster than I was allowed with the recruits. I threw a heavy punch at her chest, and she blocked it perfectly, countering with a low kick that I quickly deflected. Another punch followed her kick, and I threw my arm up to block my face. My forearm knocked hers away before I countered with a roundhouse kick. The heel of my boot nearly connected with her shoulder when she slammed an open hand into my calf, forcing me to spin back around as she kicked at my ribs, and I let her. As soon as her boot slammed into my ribs, I quickly locked my arm around her leg, pinning it to my side. Her eyes widened for a split second as I smirked. The impact caused my ribs to vibrate for a split second before I secured her knee with my free hand. I took a step to the side, using every ounce of my strength to yank her to the side. I used that momentum to force her last foot off the ground and threw her over my shoulder until her back slammed into the ground. I let go of her leg in the process. Her breath hitched on impact, and I could hear the recruits holding their breath, but she quickly recovered, rolling over and finding her feet again. Matching my vicious grin. Speed matched speed, blow matched blow. I let her get a hit in just to use it against her over and over. Sweat quickly coated our skin, our black sports bras turning gray from the dirt and sand. My hair was tightly braided down my back, but a few strands came loose and plastered against my neck and forehead. Jasmine's chestnut ponytail came partially loose as I slammed a fist into her jaw, causing an immediate bruise. She landed a solid punch to my ribs in response. We lost ourselves in the brawl. Thriving on the pain and excitement. Like a dance. I take one step, she recedes one; she throws a punch, and I match it. A perfect rhythm. A perfect unit. Like the limbs of the same body, controlled by a single mind.

"You have been at this for two hours. Give it a rest already." Felix drawled at the edge of the ring where the recruits were now sitting on the ground as they watched us. Had it really been two hours? Jasmine smiled again, that stunning, animalistic grin. She's gotten better. She's normally ready to give up after an hour and a half, but she looks prepared to go for another hour if I asked her to.

"Guess we should end this." Jasmine mused in between breaths.

"Then come at me." I panted, holding out a hand and curling my fingers at her, provoking her. I smirked the second she started to move. Her boots slammed into the ground as she rushed at me, and I dropped my hands for a split second to give her the opening. She took it. Leaping into the air a few paces from me, with one arm pulled back for one final punch, I braced myself for impact and took it. My jaw throbbed as her fist collided with it, and her weight knocked me onto my back. She quickly pinned me, her booted feet holding down my thighs while one elbow idly rested on my throat.

"You let me win." She whispered, panting, and smiling.

"I'm in a good mood." I sighed, leaning my head back into the dirt as she removed her elbow from my throat and straddled my lap. My breath sawed through my chest as I reeled myself in from the thrill of the fight, and Jasmine brushed a thumb over the bruise forming on my rib from her first kick.

"I got you good." She chuckled before placing a kiss on it.

"You should see yourself first." I countered, grabbed her leg, and threw her off me onto her back in the dirt. She groaned softly before laughing, and I pushed myself to my feet to help her up.

"Why don't you let me kiss your bruises after we fight?" Felix complained as he strolled into the ring. I leveled a glare at him, and he smiled brightly.

"Because she doesn't have any bruises when she fights you." Jasmine added, smirking at his mockingly pained expression.

"At least I got invited to dinner tonight." Felix shot back, waving a hand as if dismissing her. She stalked past him, knocking her shoulder into his as she passed.

"Did Reece invite you?" I asked, brushing the dirt from my leather pants before nodding at the recruits. Training was officially over.

"Jasper, actually." Felix stated, following my gaze to the young males now gathering their shirts and belongings beside the ring.

"Why?" I asked, still watching the young males. They had color back in their cheeks, and their bruises were now a yellow shade from healing. Felix started to reply, but I held a finger up to ask for a minute. "You two better get your shit together. You'll be scored in a week or two. If nothing has changed, you'll be kicked from my unit!" I shot, and they met my gaze before saluting. I watched as they hurried for the stairs before dropping my hand again and turning my attention to Felix.

"Glad to see you bossing everyone around." He teased with a lopsided smile, and I nudged his shoulder in response, which caused him to chuckle. "Jasper invited Cole and I happen to be standing next to him, so he asked me to come too." I snorted, making my way over to where my shirt was hanging on the railing by the gate of the ring.

"So basically, he felt bad and decided to invite you." I teased, grabbing my shirt and pulling it over my head. The fabric snagged on the sweat and dirt along the way.

"Jasper loves me." Felix mused as he slipped out of the gate.

"Jasper loves Reece and tolerates you." I corrected before joining him on the walk to the estate.

"True. Do you remember the look on Jasper's face when Reece and I broke his office chair?" Felix mused, and I chuckled at the memory. They were 148 that year, betting each other 10 gold marks to see who could get from one side of the hallway to the other the fastest. Felix went second. He was halfway down the hall when Jasper came home. Felix panicked and tried to jump off the chair, but his leg got stuck, causing him to slam into one of the walls and break the backrest of the wheeled chair.

"Still can't believe you guys did that." This time, I laughed as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, his laughter echoing through me.

"I would have won." He sighed, and I rolled my eyes.

"Reece sabotaged you." I confessed and met Felix's raised eyebrow, his arm dropping from my shoulder. "He loosened one of the wheels while you went to the bathroom. You would have crashed either way." I continued as I took the steps two at a time towards the front door.

"That bitch." He whispered before following me into the house. The smell of bacon and cheese filled the house, causing my stomach to growl and twist in hunger. I was starving. I often forget to eat during training, and today was one of those days.

"Is that mac and cheese I smell?" Felix shouted from the door as I jumped over the backrest of the couch and settled into the plush cushion.

"It is. I hope you're hungry!" Ariel answered from the kitchen, her brown hair curled into a elegant bun on her head, and she was wearing a stunning black sundress, partially hidden by a white apron. All done up for Cole.

"Ravenous." I mumbled, trying to keep my saliva in my damn mouth. Felix snorted and dropped down on the seat next to me, resting his booted feet on the coffee table.

"Felix, get your feet off my table." Ariel shot over her shoulder.

"I forgot she has eyes in the back of her head." Felix whispered before pulling his feet off the table.

"Careful, if you see them, you'll turn to stone." I teased, and I could hear Ariel sigh from the kitchen. A short rasp came from the door, and she pivoted towards it, spoon in hand.

"Shit, he's early. Syl, please let him in." She rambled, yanking the apron over her head and throwing it over one of the bar stools as I stalked to the door. Another knock came, and I opened the door to a striking male. Cole Howell. My unit's most exceptional archer has become a real pain in my ass since he started dating my sister.

"Cole." I drawled, tilting my head slightly as I took in his white button-up shirt, tucked into his black jeans, and gray loafers. He was well-built, with muscles rippling underneath the white fabric, but he didn't hold a candle to Felix or my brother. Cole is faster, though. His black curls were styled in a perm, cut into a low fade down his neck, and his brown eyes widened slightly as he looked up at me. He was the same height as Ariel, around 5 feet 5 inches.

"Commander." He greeted me while eyeing my fighting gear. "I see you came directly from the ring." He forced a smile, waiting for me to let him in.

"Jaz and I lost track of time." I cooed. I shot him a grin but refused to move.

"Dammit, Syl." Ariel sighed behind me before elbowing me aside so Cole could enter. "Hey, babe." I scrunched my nose at the pet name and quickly turned back towards the sitting area when they hugged and kissed. I dropped back into my seat next to Felix, and he made a mock gagging noise at the sound of their kisses, causing me to snort. The door finally shut as Ariel led Cole into the sitting area, holding his hand. "The food will be ready soon, but Dad and Reece are in the library. They're having a drink before dinner. Would you like to join them?"

"I could do with a drink." Felix started, pushing off the chair and heading for the stairs. I grunted in agreement before joining him. If I know my sister, and I do. She'll want some alone time with Cole before dinner. Felix and I took the stairs two at a time, trying to get away from the kissing noises as quickly as possible. "They couldn't wait for us to be out of earshot first?" Felix whispered as we reached the second floor.

"They haven't seen each other in three days; it's going to get worse before it gets better." I answered as we walked up to the third floor. The library doors were closed when we finally reached the third-floor landing, but I could hear Reece and Jasper laughing inside. I wasted no time knocking and shouldered the door open to find them lounging on the armchairs, each with a glass of whiskey in hand. "Enjoying my secret stash?" I drawled as I came to stand behind Reece's chair.

"It's your fault for telling me where it is." Reece mused, taking a sip.

"I'm regretting it now." I sighed, digging my fingers into my brother's hair.

"Don't worry, little beast. I will buy you more." Jasper mused, lifting his glass as a promise.

"I could use some right about now. Ariel and Cole are busy in the living room." Felix mumbled beside me.

"Unfortunately, this one is empty, but I have a fresh bottle in my office. Would you mind fetching it, little beast?" Jasper stated, winking playfully. I knew what that meant. It was a really expensive bottle of whiskey, so I nodded and slipped through the doors again, with Felix close behind.

"You don't have to come with me, Felix." I chuckled, and he quickly caught up with me.

"And let you brave Ariel and Cole on your own? What kind of man would I be then?" Felix countered once we reached the second floor. I bit back a smile as we rounded the banister and strolled down to an empty sitting area. I assume they made the trek up to her room then.

"Lucky for us, they had the decency to grope each other in her room." I snorted, daring a quick peek into the simmering pot on the stove. The aroma of garlic and cheese overwhelmed my senses as Felix leaned over my shoulder, dipped a spoon into the food, and stole a bite. I rolled my eyes at his moan before stealing the spoon from his mouth to try a bite myself. "Ariel is going to kill us if she finds out." I mumbled, dipping the spoon back into the pot, and savored the bite. The cream and garlic caused shivers to run down my spine. "Gods, that's good." I sighed before forcing myself to set the spoon down again.

"Let's go get the whiskey before we end up eating the food without the others." Felix said as he nudged me towards the hallway. Jasper's office doors were open. "Where does he keep the whiskey?" Felix mused as he stalked towards the desk, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"He has one on his desk that he normally drinks from, but there's a fresh one hidden behind 'The Histories of Greenhollow' on the third shelf behind his desk." I stated, eyeing the painting on the left wall beside the arched window. It was the only picture Jasper had of his late wife. Her strawberry blonde hair was braided over her shoulder, and she wore a stunning navy gown. She was sitting in the painting, with a bright smile on her face for whoever painted it. My eyes drifted down to the bottom right corner where an elegant cursive signature marked the artist. A small smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I admired the elongated J that curved around to form a line on which the rest of the name was resting. Jasper. Of course, he painted it.

"Found it." Felix mused, breaking my gaze from the painting. He carefully replaced the tomb and straightened himself, holding the bottle up in triumph. I snorted, shooting him a smile when the hair on my arms suddenly stood on end.

Run. I froze, and Felix furrowed his brow. Words caught in my throat as Felix stalked over to me.

"Syl?" His thumb brushed my cheek, and his attention shot to the door when the front door shut in the distance, and a power swelled in the building. I couldn't move, not when my intuition thrashed and chanted the word over and over. Run. Run. Run. Felix's hands gripped my hips as he pushed me into the wall behind the office doors, attempting to conceal us from the overpowering force that seemed to suffocate our own magic. Footsteps sounded down the hallway, slow and careful. We both knew that power. Knew who it belonged to. "Don't kill me for this." Felix whispered, and my brow furrowed before his lips crushed against mine. I could feel his body lightly shaking against mine as danger entered the house. I've never met the High Lord. Only ever saw him from a distance, but what was he doing here? Felix's hands roved over my hips, pushing me harder into the wall when the footsteps stopped just over the threshold of the office space.

"Well. I wasn't expecting a show today." The sheer power behind the words sends my mind racing and my body shivering in response. Felix tore his lips from mine to glance at the High Lord over his shoulder before taking a step away from me.

"High Lord Xander. Apologies, we were distracted. We didn't know you were here." His voice broke at the Lord's name. That's why he kissed me. No one welcomed the High Lord at the door. A punishable offense.

"It's understandable." The lord drawled, his piercing blue eyes studying every inch of me. From the dirt-covered leathers to the bright red of my hair. "I don't believe I've met you before." The lord cocked his head to the side, more animal than fae. His long black hair was pulled into a ponytail, revealing a buzzed undercut. His jawline was perfectly chiseled, as if crafted from diamonds. The silver lip piercing caught the dim light of the office, while a swirling tattoo subtly peeked out from beneath the collar of his black dress shirt. Muscles shifted and strained against the fabric; he was massive. Towering over me, he stood more than a head taller, with broad shoulders and a deadly gleam in his eyes. Cernunnos blessed this male in every possible way. Or so I've heard. I fought the urge to peek at what was hidden by his black trousers to verify if it was indeed true. "What's your name." It wasn't a question.

"Sylvia Aeraviel." I bit out, trying to resist the chanting words in my mind. Dangerous.

"Ah, Lord Jasper's adoptive daughter." The Lord drawled, crossing his powerful arms over his chest. I nodded, and Felix brushed my hand with his. "Where might your father be?" The lord's eyes roamed over me again, and Felix answered on my behalf.

"He's in the library, Lord Xander. We will fetch him for you." Felix bowed his head ever so slightly before grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the door.

"That won't be necessary. She can stay to keep me company." Felix stopped just as we left the room, his eyes wide as he glanced at me beside him. For the first time in my life, I was unnerved. I've faced the most dangerous warriors, killed countless people, and even won fights where I was outnumbered 5 to 1, but being alone with this male, that's what unnerves me?

"My lord, if you don't mind, I would prefer," Felix started, slowly turning to face our High Lord.

"I do not care what you prefer. She stays here." The lord didn't move, didn't tear his eyes from me.

"She knows the house better than I do," Felix started to say, but the lord finally tore his gaze from me.

"I did not ask." The smell of ether filled the room as magic brushed my skin, and in a heartbeat, Felix was flung into the wall, pinned to it like a butterfly on a board without the lord even lifting a finger. My limbs suddenly went numb at the pained look on Felix's face as the magic forced him deeper into the wall, causing cracks to spiderweb along its surface. The High Lord will kill him for talking back.

"I'll stay! Just let him go!" I quickly stepped in between the Lord and Felix, my legs fighting against each movement as the voice urged me run, but I ignored it. "Please!" I forced myself to meet the High Lord's gaze, and a lupine smile tugged at his lips. The silver piercing shifted with it.

"Very well." The ether smell vanished as quickly as it had come, and Felix slumped onto the floor behind me, but I didn't move to help him. I didn't dare break the Lord's stare. No matter how unnerved I might be, I held his gaze so he wouldn't redirect his attention to Felix. I will always protect the people I care about.

"Go, Felix. I'll be fine." I could hear him scamper onto his feet, but he didn't move. "That's an order." I dared to glance at Felix over my shoulder, and nothing but fear shone in his eyes before he nodded and broke into a run down the hall towards the stairs.

"I forgot you're the top commander here." The High Lord drawled, and I quickly turned my attention back to him as he stalked over to one of the armchairs. "Tell me, Sylvia. How did a 77-year-old female become the top commander? What makes you so special?" The Lord lowered himself into the seat with lethal grace, his eyes meeting mine once more.

"Does it matter?" I drawled, trying to force my words to sound as aloof as I hoped I appeared.

"Very much so. You see, you're the youngest commander to ever walk this continent, and I'm curious to know why." The lord cocked his head again, like a predator sizing up its prey.

"I grew up as an orphan. Learned to fight, kill, and survive at a young age." I answered honestly, and the Lord hummed softly in his throat. The male gestured to the vacant armchair in front of him. An order to sit. I forced myself to put one foot in front of the other until I reached the chair and lowered myself into it, holding his gaze. Every movement fought against me, my intuition screaming now as I sat across from him. DANGEROUS.

"Are you happy here, Sylvia?" My name sounded like a threat, a promise, a gentle caress. All in one. It made my spine tense, my hands curl into fists on my lap, and my knees feel weak.

"I am." It's an honest answer. "Why are you here, High Lord Xander?" I licked my dry lips, and the High Lord's eyes immediately noticed.

"I have some..." He blinked, met my gaze again, and continued, "business to discuss with Jasper." I opened my mouth to ask more when hurried steps sounded down the hallway, and Jasper entered the room seconds later. His eyes widened as he noticed me before he turned to bow to Xander.

"High Lord Xander. To what do we owe this pleasure?" Jasper's voice was steady and calculated.

"Ah, Jasper. I wish to have a word. In private." Again, it wasn't a question.

"Of course, High Lord." Jasper straightened up and nodded at me before I stood up from my chair.

"Thank you for keeping me company, Sylvia." Xander drawled, stretching out my name, and a swarming feeling settled in my gut. At least the voice stopped chanting. I slipped out the door without another word on surprisingly steady legs and closed it behind me. As soon as it clicked shut, all sounds from within the room went silent. A ward. Xander's doing, to prevent anyone from eavesdropping. Everyone was waiting in the kitchen when I finally emerged from the hallway. Felix's eyes immediately scanned me for any injuries. Even Ariel and Cole were lingering by the kitchen island.

"What did he want?" Cole muttered, gripping a mug in his hand, while Felix grabbed a mug for me from the cupboard above the coffee maker.

"I don't know. I didn't get a chance to ask." I sighed, the terrified feeling finally subsiding now that the High Lord's power was hidden within the office by the ward.

"We received no notice that he would be showing up." Reece added from where he sat at the island. I found my way to one of the chairs and settled in beside Reece just as Felix placed a mug in front of me.

"Are you alright?" Felix whispered, still studying my face, and I gave him a curt nod.

"I'm alright, Felix. Don't worry." I sighed, taking a sip of the sweet coffee.

"Don't ever order me to leave you like that again." The worry in Felix's eyes now glinted with anger.

"He would have killed you, Felix." I whispered as I stared him down.

"Then I will die beside you, Sylvia." Felix seethed, leaning over the counter.

"Okay, let's all just take a step back." Ariel mused, placing a delicate hand on Felix's chest. "Everyone is okay. Let's just wait for Jasper to finish the meeting." Felix tore his eyes away from me to nod at my sister. My shoulders suddenly tensed and the hair on my arms stood on end.

Jasper! Danger! Every thought ebbed out of my mind at the warning, and my throat tightened before I shot up from the chair and ran down the hallway.

"Sylvia!" I could barely hear Felix calling me as I slammed into the door, pulling at the handle, but it didn't budge. FUCK! The ward. Save him! The command knocked the air out of my already constricting lungs, and I took a few steps back. Anger and worry blinded me. He was in danger. My father was in danger. The only male I've ever loved. Claws, fangs, and fur tore from me. The hallway was just large enough for my wolf to fit, with my shoulders brushing the walls on either side as a vicious growl ripped from my throat. I could hear Reece and Ariel calling my name, but I didn't care. I had to get in there. I hauled out and sprinted towards the door, feeling magic and power surging through me as I slammed into it once, twice, and on the third attempt, it splintered inward. My ears perked up at the sight of my father against the wall, his lips turning blue as he gasped for air. Xander's jaw feathered as he used his magic to pin my father to the wall. Then I saw red. I didn't care who the fuck he was. No one touches Jasper. A growl ripped from my throat, causing the very building to shudder under my magic as I threw myself at the High Lord, claws and fangs bared. I slashed and snapped at the male as we slammed into the floor, the magic on Jasper breaking in the process. I bit down on flesh and fabric, the sweet taste of blood coating my tongue. Suddenly, the scent of ether assaulted my senses, and a wave of magic slammed into me. I yelped at the impact as my back slammed into the wall. I quickly regained my footing again and hurried to position myself between the High Lord and Jasper. My muzzle snapped in warning, and my hackles raised as I eyed the High Lord, who was already healed and fixing his shirt. He'll kill me for this, but I didn't care. Not at the steady heartbeat pulsing in Jasper's chest. A wolfish grin spread across Xander's face as he beheld my wolf form.

"Ah. The red wolf." Xander drawled before eyeing his blood-stained shirt. "I see now why you're the top commander. Very brave of you to attack your High Lord like that." Xander's gaze met mine again, and I snapped my muzzle in another warning. "I got what I came for, it makes sense that you didn't want to tell me who it was, Jasper. I hope you consider my proposal. You have until the 15th." With that, he turned towards the door, shoving his hands in his pockets as he passed the others in the hallway, not even glancing in their direction. Only when the low hum of power disappeared did they rush into the office, and my wolf retreated again. I could still taste the blood on my lips as I turned to Jasper, who was sitting on the floor, holding his neck.

"Jasper, are you okay?" I quickly kneeled beside him, scouring his body for injuries, but he smiled. A smile so sad that it extinguished all the lingering anger.

"You risked your life, little beast." He whispered before wrapping an arm around my shoulder, and I helped him back onto his feet.

"You were in danger." I countered, and Reece rushed over to help me as we led him to a chair.

"You could have gotten us all killed, Sylvia! You just attacked our High Lord!" Ariel shot from the door, hugging her arms to her chest. "What were you thinking?" I wasn't.

"I couldn't just let him kill Jasper." I bit out, not daring to look at her as she stormed out of the room, Cole in tow.

"Why did he attack you?" Reece mumbled as he went to pour Jasper a drink at the desk.

"He was looking for a red wolf." I froze again. I was the only red wolf on the continent. "I didn't want to tell him who it was." He continued, and his hand brushed against mine, which still rested on his shoulder. He didn't want to tell him, he was going to die protecting me.

"Why is he looking for Sylvia?" Felix chimed in from the door as Reece handed Jasper his glass.

"I crossed the border." That's why. It's the only logical reason, and Jasper nodded, confirming my suspicion.

"When did that happen?" Reece asked, sitting down on the rolling armrest of Jasper's chair.

"When I was hunting that stag for Grover. I didn't realize how deeply I pursued it until I saw him." I closed my eyes as the image of the black wolf entered my mind. I didn't know it then, but I can see it now. That was High Lord Xander. How the fuck am I still alive? "I take it he wants to kill me?" I whispered, unable to meet Jasper's gaze.

"The laws state that you owe his clan your life for entering their territory without an invitation." Jasper started, taking a sip of his drink before continuing, "But he doesn't want to kill you, he wants you to join his clan. I have until the 15th to decide whether I let you go or go to war with him." This time, I met his blue eyes. Nothing but love shone through them. He would go to war for me.

"War? "Will he fight us if we don't give him Sylvia?" Felix gasped, his skin paling.

"She broke a law, and we're harboring her. He was every right to go to war with us for that." Reece answered, staring at the floor.

"We have two weeks to come to a decision. That means we have two weeks to find something to offer him instead." Jasper countered, finally standing up on steady legs.

"It doesn't make sense." Reece whispered, sliding into the vacant seat as Jasper stalked to his desk. "Why hasn't he outright killed her yet? She broke two laws. She should be dead." I met my brother's gaze and furrowed my brow.

"Really want me dead, huh?" I mused, crossing my arms over my chest, while he waved a frustrated hand.

"Of course not, Syl. I just don't understand why he wants you alive. There has to be a reason. He's killed people for less." Reece added, crossing his ankle over his knee.

"She's a red wolf, like from the legends." Felix whispered, his eyes widening as he gazed at my hair.

"So?" I countered. What the fuck does my wolf have to do with this? A loud thud at the desk grabs our attention. Jasper was sitting with his hands in his hair after slamming his glass onto the desk. The golden liquid was still sloshing against the rim of the glass.

"Dad?" Reece eyed our father with a furrowed brow as Felix brushed against my side. I've never seen Jasper so unsure.

"There's only one reason that I can think of." Jasper's voice was clipped, and his hair tumbled over his forehead as he dropped his hands onto the desk. "The Legend of the Red Wolf" This time his gaze met ours, but fear glinted in them.

"What does a children's story have to do with this?" I mused, more confused than ever. The Legend of the Red Wolf was a story Jasper used to tell me when I first came here. It's one of the most well-known stories of the Fae. A beautiful red wolf, born from Cernunnos himself. The story was about how the God fell in love with a beautiful Fae, a singer with a voice so enchanting that even the gods wept during her performances. From their love, a red wolf was born, blessed by its godly father to have exceptional gifts. Legend has it that the Red wolf could perform miracles; it could fertilize grounds that had been dead for decades and bring good luck to those who cared for it. There are different versions of the story. My favorite was the nightmare version. The nails of the wolf could be used to make a deadly poison. Additionally, burying the wolf's heart is believed to grant true immortality. If you drink the blood of the red wolf, you will stop aging forever and absorb the wolf's power. How the eyes of the wolf should be worn around your neck, and you'll be able to see the future. How killing the red wolf with your bare hands could grant you the power of a god. All stories, of course.

"Stories have truth to them, little beast." Jasper's eyes briefly scanned my hair before locking with mine. "Truths become legends, legends become stories, and stories become prophecies." Worry glinted in his eyes as he pushed away from the desk and stood in front of me. His palm was warm against my cheek as he sighed. "You're no ordinary wolf, little beast." His finger tapped gently against my temple. "That little voice is proof of that. It's why you barged in here, am I right?" My throat tightened, and I nodded. Only my family knew about my intuition.

"Little voice?" Felix mumbled, furrowing his brow at me, but I ignored him. Especially when Jasper's eyes softened at my realization. I've been hunted. Since the day my wolf appeared, I've been hunted. Attacked in alleys, ambushed within the forest, and beyond. Humans mostly, and some lesser fae, emerge from the shadows with power-hungry gazes. Bounty hunters. Eager to steal this imaginative power or sell me to some lord from another continent.

"I'm not the red wolf." I whispered, and Jasper's lips curved into a sad smile.

"No one can know for sure, but it won't stop people from believing it." He sighed deeply, the air brushing a few red strands from my face.

"I'm still trying to understand the part about the little voice." Felix mused, leaning against the desk.

"Let it go, Felix." I shot a piercing stare at him, but he simply shrugged.

"So, High Lord Xander wants her alive so he can kill her himself? For this power?" Reece summarized from the chair.

"That is my guess, yes." Jasper answered, finally dropping his hand from my cheek.

"Is there a way for us to prove that she is not the child of a god?" Reece asked, his eyes studying my face with grim worry.

"A blood test should be enough to prove it." Felix chimed in, crossing his arms over his chest. "If she has some godly DNA, it will show up in her blood." I almost forgot how good Felix was at school in science. He wasn't just a warrior; he was also intelligent. Real straight-A student, while I was the delinquent, always getting into fights or ditching school. Another reason it would never work for us.

"Good idea. We'll start tomorrow; Felix will do the blood test. Reece, I need your help tomorrow. We must find something valuable to offer in exchange for Sylvia." Jasper stated, and my brother immediately nodded in agreement. I had little say in any of this; they were my family and wanted to protect me. I respect that, but if we have nothing to give the High Lord when the 15th comes, I will sacrifice my life for them. A war would devastate Greenhollow, and as long as I'm alive, I will always keep it safe, even if I have to give my own life in exchange.

Jasper knew that. That's why he stayed in his study while the rest of us finally got to dinner, and that's why he was still locked in that room long after I went home. He would burn himself out trying to find a way to save me, and that's why he's the only male I've ever allowed within the cold stone walls of my being. The only person ever worthy of being my father.