Mary Ann’s POV
The first body hit the ground before I understood what was happening.
A woman near the dessert table clutched her throat, her plate crashing beside her. A second guest collapsed moments later. Then another.
Screams tore through the festival grounds.
People pushed away from the food tents, overturning benches and knocking into one another. Children began crying. Warriors reached for their weapons even though there was no visible enemy to fight.
Modric’s arm remained around my waist.
“Do not eat anything!” he roared.
His Alpha command thundered across the courtyard.
The panic slowed for only a second.
“Elara!” I shouted.
The pack healer was already running toward the fallen guests with two assistants behind her. I pulled away from Modric and followed.
“Mary Ann, sto
