Aria’s POV
A vampire representative arrived at the Grayson Pack just before sunset, while Damon, Ryder, Noah, and I were preparing to leave for our mission into vampire territory.
He didn’t come with an army. He didn’t come bearing threats of war. He simply crossed the boundary between our territories as though he had every right to be there.
He wore a black coat that fell to his knees, his pale face completely expressionless. The wolves surrounding him growled, their bodies tense and ready to attack, but he didn’t even blink.
“I bring a message from Duke Viktor.”
My claws slid out. “Then speak.”
The vampire’s eyes settled on me. “He hopes you will accept his invitation.”
My stomach twisted. “An invitation?”
“He would like you to come to vampire territory alone.”
Damon stepped for
