frozen, his eyes darting between my face and the two boys who were undeniably his reflection. The gol

aggering step forward, but Silas moved instantly, his violet e

stated, his voice ringing with a calm authority that made the other pack le

a-a wolf-less peasant! How could she be a queen?" She turned to the crowd, her voice rising in a desp

e girl who used to tend the pack's gardens. It was a co

ls frosting over with every step. "Is that what you call survival? O

e years ago. "Five years ago, I was accused of poisoning the Luna's tea. I was rejected, branded, and sent to die in

," Killian whispered, his face ashen. "I

ould have kept me as a breeding slave? You would have let me live in a cage while you slept with the woman who framed me? My sons are

al. "You smell like regret," the five-year-old said softly. "But Mama says regret is just

ing from a child so young was terrifying. It confirmed

room, lunged for my arm. "You're ly

d from the floor between us, nearly pinning her hand. The cold wa

a lethal register, "and I will ensure the only

e, a look of profound loss crossing

e you created

my sons. "We've seen enough

"Before we depart, let it be known: The Northern Lycan Empire officially declares the Black Mountain Pack's southern

nd Sienna fell to her knees, sobbing, not out of grief, b

small hands tucked firmly into mine. But as I reached the

ere's something you need to know. The prison van... it wasn't an accident. Killi

atter who changed the orders, Beta.