r 4: T

past breaking, but the sluggish, heavy-limbed drowsiness of someone who had

water over her head to yank her back to duty. The absence of that shock was almost unsett

so plush it felt like walking on clouds. The window caught her attention. She crossed the r

he curtains

was n

glass, a smile tugging at her lips des

was a stranger here. She didn't know the layout of the castle, didn't know the faces of the peo

do with myself? she th

hattered

to her throat. Old instincts, she

alled, hating how sm

e Piper

maid fro

ome of the ten

r, co

carrying a tray so large it drew her attention

t your fo

high with food more food than she'd ever seen served to one person. Roasted meat, fresh bread, vegetables glistening with butter,

e to your Alpha," Hazel said, forcing her ga

le. "Oh, that! he came earlier, but you we

blin

ca

r, something unfamiliar and

id dryly inside her head. Hazel could pr

d another chance to talk to our mate. Again. Hazel ignored her, thou

," Piper said, already

nd rest for

lone again. She stared at the food for a long mome

King, her mat

*

ay, Arden had been in his s

ut today, the reports blurred together. The voices of his advisors faded into background noise. His mind kept drifting to the d

ing to the whispers that the Alpha King was cursed, that the Moon goddess had abandoned him. He had refused t

. Whoever she was

n a room that had been empty for centuries, wai

ed his work before.

e asked, his voice sh

e papers on his desk, his ex

ew days ago. Heavy casualties. The Luna was killed. Their Alpha

e becoming bolder, more organized

d Stay until the pack is stable. Sen

ded, maki

chair scraping ag

. Whatever's left can

the door before Ga

e. Arden had never left work unfinished. Not once in all the years Gaius had served him. But

nly one place, whe

aring at the trees, wondering about the forest up ahea

ll, her brea

ra whispered. "

gs. Her hand trembled as she reache

ot how t

es . Broad shoulders and height that overshadowed her. A face that belonged on a painting in some a

her under. Mint and hot chocolate. She was

, pacing frantically

e, perfect creature and wonder how the moon goddess could have possibly chosen her for h

ginger hair. When his eyes met hers again, his smile dee

voice a low rumble that v

I com