ith the suffocating expectation of t

ping granite staircase, the massive, dead Sunstone Crystal hanging a

otsteps faded. The physical withdrawal was abrupt, seve

air immediately thickened with his actual Alpha scent-not the manufactured

I need to know about Lord Veridian's plan, Rogue Lyra

ing a silhouette of implacable authority.I instinctively rubbed the wrist he h

y and evasion, scrambled to catch up. He hadn't just

raightening my shoulders. The silk

marked One.' The goal was to reach the Sunstone and trigger a failure-a minor one t

his golden eyes finally snapping

y own personal reservoir of energy just to create a small, barely perceptible pulse

of my professional composure. This wasn't a game of pol

med the Sunstone was weak, but still functional. He simply wanted t

easured, but the sheer force of his

d energy, which only the Prophecy Bride is said to carry. He knew, better than anyone, that if the ceremony

of me, forcing me to tilt m

d you to trigger a spiritual collapse that would force the elder

I challenged, fighting to keep my

and gained immediate goodwill from the eld

nto a predatory smile t

ts natural protection. Veridian wants to be Regent. I want the Sunstone functi

re is unique it doesn't register on the Pack's registry, making you the only wolf in the entire region who i

pha command was undeniable, wrapp

ion of the Prophecy Bride. You will perform every ritual, you will speak only the lines I

that came with impossible stakes. This wasn't subservien

ow Pact?" I asked, focusing on the transac

nce to survive," Kaele

e our deception or attempt to flee, I will hand you to my uncle w

scent of pine and raw

d public."I met his golden eyes, accepting the terms.

shift in his demeanor i

tly to my private office. You will be seen constantly with me. We will announce that t

of the hall, toward a n

ly manipulated. I will have a Beta escort you to the Aetherium Archives where you will begin your research. This task is

oor, but before ope

power, good or bad, to sustain its faint pulse. Do not, under any circumstances, use any of your rogue skills-no illusion, no lock-pic

ingle, massive Ancient Guard, a wolf whose hair was streaked with gray and whose body was covere

Guard," Kaelen introduced, his vo

loyal to the Prophecy, and if you breathe a word of our deception,

al precision. He bowed low, a deep gesture of respect for the suppose

our destiny," Jareth rumbled,

: Don't fail.I returned Jareth's gaze, offering the same, r

ute, Master Jareth. Lea

eptible nod-a shared acknowledgment of the lie that now defined our lives. He had set the terms, establi

der the scrutinizing gaze of the Sunstone's faithful. My task was to research the cure, but my immediate objective wa