All Chapters of Fated to the Shadow Alpha: Chapter 261 - Chapter 266

Marcus led the returned warrior through the stone corridors of Shadow Fang's eastern wing, away from the family quarters and toward the secure chambers reserved for questioning. The warrior, Reed, walked with steady steps but unfocused eyes, his gaze drifting repeatedly toward the windows that faced north.Two guards fell in behind them, close enough to intervene if necessary but far enough to avoid crowding. The tension in the corridor was palpable, a living thing that pressed against the walls.Damien walked beside Marcus, his posture rigid with controlled alertness. Natasha had remained with Cassian for the initial examination. There would be time for questioning later, once they knew more about what they were dealing with.The secure chamber was a small stone room with a single table, several chairs, and iron sconces that cast flickering light across the rough-hewn walls. A brazier burned in one corner, pushing back the winter chill. Marcus positioned Reed in a chair facing the do

Morning light crept through the heavy curtains, pale and wintry, casting long shadows across the chamber. Natasha woke slowly, her body heavy with the particular exhaustion that came from a fortnight of broken sleep. Beside her, Damien lay on his back, one arm flung across his eyes, his breathing deep and even.She turned her head toward the cradle. Cassian was awake, she could tell by the small sounds of movement, the soft rustle of blankets, the tiny squeak that preceded either contentment or demand. But he wasn't crying. Not yet.The events of the previous night lingered in her mind. That strange stillness, the way Cassian's body had tensed and his unfocused eyes had seemed to fix on something unseen. She had replayed it dozens of times in the dark hours before sleep finally claimed her.She slipped from the bed carefully, moving to the cradle. Cassian lay on his back, his small fists curled near his face, his dark hair sticking up in tufts. His eyes, still that newborn blue, not y

Reed's hand trembled beneath hers, his breathing still ragged."The door," Natasha said softly. "Can you describe it?"He stared at the wall, his eyes unfocused. "Wood. Dark wood, worn by weather. Iron hinges, three of them. The handle was..." He frowned. "There was a handle. I can see it, but I can't reach the memory.""Was it inside the watchpost? Or outside?""I don't know." His voice cracked. "It's just there. In my head. But when I try to focus on it, something stops me. Like a wall I can't see past."Natasha squeezed his hand gently. "You're doing well. Rest now."She rose and left him staring into nothing, his mug growing cold between his palms. *** Damien and Marcus were waiting in the council chamber when Natasha returned. The fire had been banked low, casting long shadows across the map."Reed recognizes Blackwood Ridge," she said, settling into the chair beside Damien. "He can't explain how. But he described a door, dark wood, iron hinges, three of them. He sees it clearl