Marked by the Alpha, Avenged by the Omega
A massive purification circle burned in silver light on the floor, flanked by towering statues of the wolfgoddess in her judgment form.
My arms were spread wide, my back pressed to cold stone, and an iron collar locked into place around my throat—charged with voltage and bound to the sigils on the floor.
Above me, the High Elders began chanting in the old tongue.
But they didn’t know what was coming.
Midnight.
The north wall exploded.
Smoke poured into the underground vault. Panic erupted.
And through the fire came Alpha Joe.
He wasn’t in uniform. No crest. No insignia. Just torn black armor, bloodied fists, and eyes like a wolf that had tasted madness.