SERAPHINA’S POV
The square erupted into chaos.
Screams tore through the crowd as black smoke clawed upward from the ruptured stones, thick with the stench of burned herbs, rotten blood, and dark magic.
Reporters stumbled from the barricades. Civilians surged away from the southern perimeter. Cameras swung wildly, catching distorted glimpses as hollow-eyed wolves took shape from the smoke and lunged for the tribunal platform.
It was a horror show.
But we had planned for this.
“Evacuate the civilians!” Kieran roared, his command cracking through the square like thunder.
The inner perimeter tightened instead of collapsing. Frostbane warriors at the outer line shifted into defensive formation, guiding the civilian observers behind reinforced barriers while Maya cut through the panic with sharp, precise orders.
“This way! Stay low! Do not run toward the exits until cleared!”
Her voice resonated, steady enough to calm people already on the verge of hysteria.
