ra

arkened to the col

Aria, who was cradling the Moons

esturing to the heavy velvet curtains of deep red d

y arms and hurried be

hadows, two statu

oden doors g

s footfalls-the heavy, confi

b's deep voice reson

added, her voice a conf

a narrow partin

idable figure in his dar

side, her hand holding that

e perfect tableau

my chest, but I forced my lu

sit, Alpha Caleb?" the Queen ask

pped forwa

e heard a rumor that you possess

? Such treasures of the crown are a closely gu

s chest, a gesture

tion the royal guards, Your Majesty,"

ective hand on S

plained. "The winter is brutal this year. As their uncle, I am bound to

e room seemed to g

rose fro

ating pressure that compelled lesser

curtain, my knees t

y treasury?" the Queen's voice boomed,

back, his eyes w

vanced on him. "Tell me, Alpha Caleb. Are you aware that your own

b fr

handsome face, leaving it

, his voice trembling.

is head fr

"But Serena's maid informed me Elara was merely jealous. I

gh, a harsh, grating so

falsehood about your dying pup?" the Queen roa

d her blazing e

d Mate at your estate for fifteen days. You parade him abou

turned a blotc

ena cried, trying to step forward. "El

O

second, more powerf

hands and knees on the hard flo

the Queen

aleb with an express

e Queen declared coldly. "Because unlike you, I find the ch

, looking as if he had

r..." Caleb muttere

red, waving a dismissive hand to the

b and Serena, dragging

e descended u

ind the velvet curtain

of the room and sank

y eyes dry, a core of ice h

oice steady and resolute. "P

. She looked only at me, and in her ancient eyes,