Third Person's POV Everyone aboard the yacht was either wealthy, powerful, or both-wolves of status whose names alone could command territories. If the kidnappers had any sense, they could have seized just one or two targets and extorted an obscene ransom. Unfortunately for them, the very first move they made brought them face to face with Aysel and Magnus. Two apex predators. They exposed themselves the moment they struck-and paid for it in blood and broken bodies. Serena felt her temper spike like ghostfire above her head. She already knew the host team had been careless, but how could they have allowed such a catastrophic breach? If she hadn't reinforced security in advance, the blackout alone would have resulted in several wolves disappearing into the sea. "You all stay alert. I'm going back to assess the situation," Serena said sharply. Just as she turned, Magnus-still gazing toward the starlit horizon-spoke calmly. "The ship has veered off course." Serena's heart slammed. That meant even the helm hadn't been spared. What kind of enemies were these, to move so deeply and so quietly? Aysel reached out, gripping Serena's hand with steady strength. "Stay calm. You can't afford to lose control." She then turned to the guards behind Serena. "After Magnus made his move, the remaining attackers scattered. The ballroom is the safest place right now. Do not let the guests disperse. Lone wolves are harder to protect." Serena drew a slow breath and called Zane. "Whatever it takes-keep everyone in the hall. No one leaves. Not a single wolf. And don't let panic spread." She hesitated, then glanced at Magnus. "I'll check the surveillance room. But the control deck..." Most yachts this size were owned by heirs, not warriors. Wealth didn't equate to nerve.Aysel smiled and laced her fingers through Magnus's. "We'll go." Once prey dared touch them, Magnus would never allow it to escape. Stabilizing Serena's situation came naturally to him. Magnus did not object. With the two of them stepping in, the pressure on Serena eased instantly. Still, remembering how fiercely Magnus guarded Aysel, she asked, "Should she return to the ballroom? Security is strongest there." Magnus answered before Aysel could. "She stays with me." He trusted no one else-not even an entire pack-with her safety. Aysel nodded in agreement. Serena laughed softly. "Right. My mistake." She left at a brisk pace, barking orders as she went. Magnus rested his hand briefly atop Aysel's head. "Are you afraid?" Aysel tilted her head, eyes gleaming. "Captain Magnus, shall we set sail?" Tonight, they'd tried every kind of masquerade. Magnus pinched her cheek, lips curling. "Crewmate Aysel-come on. Let's hunt some rats." Bang- The stairwell door was kicked open. Aysel peeked her head inside, eyes lighting up. "Oh wow. There's one hiding here too." Curled into the shadows, a kidnapper hugged himself, trembling. This wasn't in the briefing. No one had said this ship carried those two. They were supposed to be the hunters-terrifying pampered heirs for sport. When had the prey learned to bare its fangs? Remembering the fate of the men who had fallen into these two wolves' hands earlier, despair swallowed him whole. A clean death would have been mercy. But it was already too late. The man who looked as though he had stepped straight out of the abyss walked in unhurriedly, long strides echoing through the corridor. His posture was relaxed, lethal. His gaze softened only when it landed on the girl trotting ahead of him, delighted in her hunt. Magnus looked down at the shaking captive. "Did you remember what I taught you?" Aysel nodded seriously. "Yes. Disarm the hands first. Then the legs. And make sure they don't wake up and counterattack." The wolf's smile deepened. The rat's fate was sealed.