CHAPTER SIXTY SEVEN - Why Rivers Never Return

Lucas shook his head. "No, Gabriel's right. Victor's security is legendary. We shouldn't be able to—" A blue glow in the distance cut him off. Soft at first, then intensifying—moonstone formations embedded in the natural rock face of the ravine ahead were beginning to illuminate. "That can't be good," Lilaya whispered. Gabriel's face paled. "Boundary magic. Ancient pack magic. He's activating a lockdown." "What does that mean for us?" Vulcan asked. "It means," Lucas said grimly, "we're walking into a trap." Inside the fortress of Shadow Crest, Aria moved silently through the corridors she'd known since childhood. The words of her father rang in her ears—his promise of what he'd do if she ever betrayed him again. "Just a little further," she whispered to herself, her breath caught in her throat as she pressed against the wall, avoiding the patrol. The alarm hadn't been raised yet, but there was unusual activity. Guards moving with purpose, whispered conversations, and most telli