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“Oh.” I wasn’t sure what to say to that. I appreciated the honesty, but I didn’t know whether I should thank him again or tell him, “You’re welcome.”

“I guess I’ll head out now,” I told them. “I want to get back home.”

“Make sure you’re careful, Alpha,” Elder Sage said as I picked up the empty tote. “Until we know where that room is located and what these symbols mean, it would be best for you to stick to populated areas of the compound or walk with someone you trust—just as a precaution. You are a descendant of pack mothers, and it’s imperative that you stay alive and healthy.”

I hesitated, unease curling in my stomach. The warning was eerily similar to what Lance had told me. It was like he was two steps ahead of me. What did he know that I didn’t?

“I’ll be careful,” I promised.

I headed home. This time, I stuck to more populated paths rather than taking my usual shortcuts. I didn’t want to risk coming into contact with Lance—or someone worse—again.

Within five days, things would st