Book 3: As Promised

Ainslee

I watch as Longclaw forces assemble then march in two directions, one section to the north to fight Rallegrad, the larger section to the south to fight the Tormentians and protect Shadowmanor castle.

My father stands to one side of me waving to the troops as they pass the house. Marcus, his Beta, stands on my other side, also waving.

I force a smile and raise a hand to the troops. I am still surprised at how quickly they’d assembled. People in all the towns and villages worked their fingers to the bone quickly making uniforms with fabric and accents provided by Warfang. Warriors fell all over themselves volunteering to protect Shadowglade.

What Lucia said must be right. The feeling seems to be that Shadowglade is an ally and should be protected.

Lucia herself stands behind us, her eyes on Marcus. I know it’s killing her that my father keeps trying to throw Marcus and me together. For my part, I have absolutely no intention of ta