him to the spot. His eyes locked on hers-Astra, glowing faintly in the soft torchlight of the hallway. He didn't even understand why he was stepping toward her, like something ancient inside him had

ll feel your wolf pushing forward." "I know," Lysander murmured. Zane tilted his head. "You're acting all weird. Happy, but also like you're hiding something." Lysander hesitated. "Also..." he began, then trailed off. Sage folded his arms. "Also what? Spit it out." Lysander glanced between the two of them, then shook his head. "Nothing. It's nothing, I just... I'll tell you guys later, okay?" Zane groaned. "Ugh, come on!" "I'm serious," Lysander said, giving them both a playful shove toward the door. "I'm tired. I just want to lie down." Sage smirked knowingly. "Fine. But don't think you're getting out of telling us eventually. Especially if it involves a girl." Lysander rolled his eyes as the door clicked shut behind them. Finally alone, he let out a deep breath and fell onto his bed, arms spread wide. His mind raced, yet his body was still. His smile returned as he closed his eyes, letting the quiet wash over him. "Still here?" the voice asked in his mind again, this time softer. "Yeah... Magnus, right?" "Yes. I've been waiting a long time to meet you, Lysander." "Why now?" "Because your mate awakened something in you. It called me forward. Your soul recognized hers, and I followed." Lysander's chest rose and fell slowly. "She's beautiful. Strong. I've never felt anything like that." "You were made for each other. Even if the world tries to keep you apart, the bond is there. Stronger than blood. Stronger than fate." A warmth spread through Lysander's limbs as he listened to Magnus's words. For the first time in his life, he didn't feel like something was missing. "You'll guide me through the transformation?" Lysander asked. "Always. You're not alone anymore." Lysander smiled again, sleep pulling at the corners of his mind. The connection, the voice of Magnus, the memory of Astra-it all wove together into a cocoon of warmth. And as the stars blinked above the roof of his home, Lysander drifted into sleep, still whispering to the other half of his soul. - THE NEXT DAY, THE PALACE Mr. Blackwood wiped the last streak of water from the marble hallway floor, his joints aching slightly from the long day's work. He wrung out the cloth and folded it neatly, ready to leave when he heard footsteps approach. A guard in uniform stood a few feet away, his expression unreadable. "The Beta wants to see you," the guard said curtly. Mr. Blackwood raised his brows slightly but said nothing. He only nodded and followed. They walked in silence through twisting corridors until they stopped at a heavy oak door. The guard pushed it open. Inside, a few ministers sat alongside the Beta, who lounged in an ornate chair near the hearth. Flames crackled behind him, casting a flickering light over the richly adorned room. Mr. Blackwood stepped inside and bowed low, respectfully. The Beta smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "Ah, Blackwood. Word gets around, you know. I've heard you're doing excellent work here at the palace." "Thank you, sir," Mr. Blackwood said, eyes still on the floor. "How about a reward?" the Beta continued, his voice light but laced with something darker. Mr. Blackwood straightened slightly, still holding himself with calm dignity. "I don't think I need a reward, my lord. I'm just doing my job." he said. The Beta chuckled and rose from his seat. His boots clicked softly against the marble as he approached. He rested a hand on Mr. Blackwood's shoulder. It felt heavy. "I could change your life, you know," the Beta said quietly. "Just a word to the Alpha, and everything could be different for you. A house of your own, a place in court. You've served long and loyally, haven't you?" "I appreciate the offer, truly," Mr. Blackwood said, carefully stepping back. "But I like my life as it is. Simple, honest. Please, my lord, what is it you want from me?" The Beta's smile faded slightly, replaced by something more calculating. He motioned to a nearby guard, who stepped forward carrying a polished wooden box. The lid was lifted to reveal rows of gleaming gold coins. "I want your mouth sealed, Blackwood," the Beta said. "You can do that, can't you? No questions. No talk. No ears where they shouldn't be." Mr. Blackwood stared at the box for a moment before shifting his gaze back to the Beta. "I'm not interested in palace affairs, sir. I'm only here to work. That's all I've ever done. Please, let me keep doing my job." He bowed again, deeply, then turned and walked toward the door, he didn't accept the box. Behind him, a cruel smile curled across the Beta's face. He didn't speak until Mr. Blackwood was gone. "Told you," Minister Therold said with a bitter sneer. "They're growing wings. The Alpha's gone soft. He should've listened when we warned him." The Beta turned his eyes to the gold, then slammed the lid shut with a sharp clack. "He should've taken the gold. Played the fool. But now, whatever happens next... he's brought it on himself." He turned, his cloak sweeping behind him as he stormed out of the room. The ministers followed. --- NIGHTTIME "Where are you going?" Sage asked, stepping into Lysander's room just as he finished buttoning up his black shirt. Lysander glanced at him through the mirror. "Heard there's another party tonight. For the princess." Sage leaned against the doorframe, brows furrowed. "And you're going?" Lysander nodded, grabbing a jacket from the bed. "Yeah." Sage blinked at him, clearly surprised. "You're kidding." "Nope." Sage didn't move. He just stood there, arms crossed, watching Lysander like he was trying to piece together a puzzle that suddenly stopped making sense. Lysander sighed, turning to face him. "Why are you looking at me like that?" "I don't know... It's just-" Sage tilted his head, eyes narrowing. "You've been acting strange since yesterday. Like... distant. Distracted. Did something happen? Did you... find your mate?" he asked. "What? Hell no." Lysander said a little too quickly, waving a hand as if to dismiss the idea entirely. Sage didn't look convinced. "You sure? 'Cause it's either that or you've suddenly developed a thing for the princess." "I just wanted to get out, that's all," Lysander muttered, pulling on his jacket. "You told me to stop sulk