A Bloody Provocation

RONAN'S POV

I rode back to the pack territory with my injured hand throbbing. Something felt off. The usual chatter died down to whispers when I approached. People moved aside, their eyes avoiding mine. The nervous tension in the air made my skin crawl.

When the crowd parted, I froze. My mother stood beside Carmilla. What was she doing here?

"I'm sorry," Carmilla said, her voice low and heavy.

"Fo