Marrying a Warhound (Cassian) novel Chapter 55

ALPHA COLLIN BLACK’S POV

79

55 vouchers

Collin saw the column of smoke rising from Crimson Howlers territory and felt the ground tighten under his boots. Part of him refused to believe Cassian would push farther, the other part knew better. He broke into a run, cutting across the ridge toward Nightfall, barking orders through the mind–link as he moved. He had sent William and his men in advance. Surely they were able to protect the pack, right?

Soon enough, the glow over Nightfall’s roofs came into view too fast. The air already tasted of resin and scorched grain. A dull blast rolled through the trees, followed by another, short, hard thumps that didn’t sound like kitchen fires or lantern accidents.

Fire.

It was just as he expected. Mendez was right. Cassian led a troop to deal with them!

As he crossed the outer yard, ash drifted across the flagstones, and the first screams carried from the lower corridors. He grabbed a passing guard by the shoulder. “Status.”

The guard swallowed hard. “Alpha… there were multiple ignition points. Smoke in the library wing. And a black flame in the supply hall that water won’t touch.”

“What about the Luna and Celeste?” Collin demanded.

“Lady Celeste is in the infirmary, helping the wounded. As for the Luna-” The man faltered as Collin shouldered past him.

“William!” Collin spotted his Beta near the inner stair, soot streaking his face. “William— report.”

William didn’t hesitate. “The fire started in the supply hall and jumped to the herb stores. It’s not natural, sir, water spreads it. We’re using sand and wool blankets. The library stair is compromised. We found two men down near the lower passage, eyes burned, lips green. The Luna was last seen heading toward the cave. Sadly, we cannot locate her. The smoke is too thick, and there’s something in the air… probably poison too. I’ve had no link response from her since.”

Collin’s jaw set. “Secure Celeste, Pull everyone off the water lines and smother the flames, Shut the vents to the library, seal the eastern passages, and post archers at the cliff entrance. If anyone comes out of that tunnel, drop them first.”

William nodded once. “Yes, Alpha.” He hesitated. “Sir… whoever planned this knew our layout.”

11:17 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 55

:

79

55 vouchers

Collin didn’t slow. “I know.” He drew breath against the smoke. He narrowed his gaze. Cassian must have forced this information out of Atasha, he thought. “Go on –

“Sir!”

66

“Sir!” A runner skidded to a stop, soot streaked across his face. “Demon Fangs are attacking the south border. Lord Cassian’s men are holding the line, but they won’t last at this rate. More shapes in the treeline, dozens. They need reinforcements!”

Collin’s expression hardened. Of course, the scavengers would come now. Demon Fangs always circled when a pack bled.

“William,” Collin snapped. “The fire is yours. Sand, earth, wool–smother it. Shut every vent to the library. Lock the inner doors to the herb wing. Pull Celeste and the infirmary to the stone cellar and put four squads around it. Any man with green lips or burned eyes gets masks and is pulled off the line, don’t let poison spread through the ranks.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

“Send two lances to the cliff entrance. If anyone emerges, drop them. No warnings.”

William nodded, already signaling captains.

Collin turned to the runner. “Tell the south wall I’m on my way. Form a wedge at the river break. Shields up front, archers behind, aim low, drive them into the ditch. If the black flame rolls that way, use earth, not water.”

He opened the mind–link and drove his command through the pack. ‘All warriors to the south border. We push as one?

A low chorus of acknowledgments answered him.

He drew his sword from the wall rack as he hit the yard at a run. The glow over Nightfall had darkened; the smoke sat heavy, tasting of resin and burned herbs, Another blast thumped from deep in the halls. He pushed faster.

They reached the southern palisade as the first Demon Fangs broke from the brush, howling. Cassian’s men was there, dark armor, shields locked, holding a narrow gap by the river break. Bodies already littered the grass. The northerners were trading ground for time, and time was running out.

“Nightfall!” Collin’s roar cut through the clash. “On me!”

His warriors surged to fill the wedge. Shields slammed. Spears lowered. Arrows hissed over their heads and punched into the front rank of Demon Fangs, staggering them just long enough.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify