The moon hung low over RYX City, draping silver shadows across the empty streets. I moved through them like a ghost, my footsteps barely a whisper against cracked pavement. Beneath the hood of my jacket, my crimson eyes glowed faintly—just a glimpse of the beast beneath my skin.
This wasn’t my first hunt. It wouldn’t be my last.
I smirked, unable to help myself. Viktor’s going to love how fast I wrap this up.
Smith pack territory stretched just beyond the old rail yard, marked by the faint traces of cedar and iron—wolf wards. Patrols circled the borders, but I didn’t plan on being seen. I slipped through the gaps, weaving between blind spots like I belonged there.
"Get close to the twins. Gain their trust… or destroy them if necessary.”
Viktor’s orders echoed in my mind. Damon and Daniel Smith. Twin Alphas. Ruthless. Untouchable—until tonight.
I wasn’t sent to kill for sport. I was Viktor’s blade—the assassin he used when diplomacy failed. For months, rumors of a hidden threat within the Smith pack had been circulating. Something dangerous enough to shift the balance of power in RYX City’s underworld.
The mission was simple.
Find it. Eliminate it.
If the twins were in the way, they’d fall with it.
The market square pulsed with life, glowing under neon lights as music filled the air. Wolves gathered in clusters for the monthly celebration, their laughter echoing through the streets. I traded my usual black gear for something sleeker—a dress that hugged my curves but didn’t restrict movement. I’d need that freedom if things went south. My silver hair was braided over one shoulder, a stark contrast to the darker wolves around me.
I wasn’t hiding tonight.
I wanted them to see me.
Damon appeared first, his laughter carrying over the crowd like a storm rolling in. He moved with easy confidence, drawing attention without trying. His twin, Daniel, walked beside him—quieter, sharper. His gaze cut through the crowd, constantly searching for threats.
They were opposites.
Damon was all heat and reckless charm.
Daniel? Cold steel.
I stepped forward, brushing my shoulder lightly against Damon as they passed.
Showtime.
“Excuse me,” I murmured, voice smooth as silk.
Damon’s eyes snapped to mine, interest flickering the moment our gazes met. His brow arched, and I caught the smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
“You’re new,” he said, not bothering to hide his curiosity.
Quick.
Daniel’s eyes narrowed, already sizing me up.
He doesn’t trust easily. Good.
“I just got to RYX City,” I said, tilting my head slightly. “Passing through.”
Damon’s grin widened. “I’d rethink that. There’s plenty to stick around for.”
Daniel exhaled, clearly unimpressed. “If you’re passing through, maybe you should keep moving.”
I met his gaze, holding it just a little too long. Something about him tugged at the edges of my mind—unfamiliar but wrongly familiar.
“Maybe,” I said lightly. “But I think I’ll stay for a while.”
Damon laughed under his breath. “I like her already.”
I just laughed softly. Damon excused himself to talk to seemingly important wolves on another table, while Daniel was out of sight.
I then made my way to go to a spot to activate my spy radio when I heard a noise following me.
I turned around only to be dumbfounded by the owner of the sound. His eyes stuck on one of my legs, only for me to realize the dagger was somehow showing.
"What does a lady doing here in the dark?"
