Novels by Jess E.

POV: AVAThe argument had begun circling the same ground when an elderly council member struck his palm against the arm of his chair.“Enough.”The room gradually fell quiet.The old man rose with some effort, resting one hand on the table before addressing the council. “There is only one proper way to settle this. Take the four Kings to the ancient stone circle and make them swear before the Moon Goddess that they had no part in the destruction of the Lunar Dynasty.”A few council members exchanged uncertain looks.“The stone circle?” someone asked.The elder nodded. “That judgment was created for rulers who used their authority to destroy another ruling bloodline. A case like this has been recorded before. The council faced a similar matter, and the accused were brought before the circle so the truth could be established under ancient Lunar law.”I found myself agreeing with him. If the Kings were certain they had done nothing wrong, they would have no reason to fear standing before

POV: AVA Mira and I didn't approach Caleb Morris carelessly.After what happened with the first witness, we changed how we moved. We never took the same route twice, never allowed Caleb to travel alone, and kept our conversations short whenever we were outside. He resisted at first. He wanted no part in a fight between Ava, Gareth, and four Kings who could crush his life without leaving a mark on paper. It took several conversations before he finally agreed to come with us.By the time we reached the council chamber, Caleb was walking between two guards.I sat beside Mira while the four Kings occupied their usual places across the chamber. Matthias, Zade, Raymond, and Bernard looked perfectly comfortable, which was almost insulting considering why we were there.The head of the council rose from his seat and waited until the room settled.“Ava requested this gathering earlier than expected,” he announced. “She informed the council that she has another witness concerning the allegatio

POV: AVAEdric didn’t answer right away. He lowered his eyes to his hands, rubbing his thumb over one knuckle while he thought about what I asked.“You know what could happen if the Kings find out I spoke against them?” he asked.“I do.”He leaned back in his chair and let out a quiet breath. “They won’t leave me alone. I spent years making sure nobody knew where I lived. I thought staying out of sight would keep me safe.”Mira stayed quiet beside me, giving Edric the space to decide what he wanted to do.At last, Edric nodded. “I’ll go with you.”Relief washed over me before I could hide it. This was the witness I needed, someone who was there when the decision was made and could tell the Wolf Council what happened.“Thank you,” I said.“There is one condition.” Edric raised a hand. “You have to come back for me. I can’t travel to Silvercrest openly. If the Kings find out I’m there, they’ll know where I am.”“That’s fair,” I replied. “We’ll make the arrangements before we leave.”Edr

POV: AVAThe road into Silvercrest looked quieter than usual when Mira and I returned. A few supply wagons passed through the gates, but there were far fewer than I expected. The guards were checking each wagon before letting it through, and several empty carts waited near the side of the road.Inside the palace, the head of supplies was already waiting for us. He carried a stack of reports under one arm and looked worn out.“Two trade routes are now restricted,” he said. “Merchants using those roads are being turned back or warned not to continue into Silvercrest.”“Why?” I asked.“They’re afraid of crossing territory controlled by the four Kings.”He handed me another report. “One merchant group refused to come at all. A neighboring pack also stopped its regular shipments of food and medicine this morning.”I read the page, then lifted my eyes. “They’re really that afraid?”“Yes, Your Majesty. They believe supporting Silvercrest could bring trouble to their own people. Some of them

POV: AVA~~~~~~The Central Wolf Council chamber~~~~~~~~The council chamber was already filling when Mira and I walked in. Representatives from the major territories occupied most of the seats, talking quietly as attendants moved between the rows.My attention went straight to the four Kings.Matthias sat near the center beside Zade, while Raymond and Bernard took the seats on either side. Several representatives sat behind each of them, wearing the colors of their territories. Their support was clear without anyone needing to announce it.Then I recognized a few of those representatives. They were nobles from the southern territories that recently broke their allegiance with Silvercrest.Mira leaned toward me. “Look at where everyone is sitting.”I followed his direction. The four Kings sat in the center of the chamber, while my seat was several rows away among the rulers who brought cases before the council.“They placed me here on purpose,” I said quietly.Mira nodded. “They’re tre

POV: AVAMatthias’s message sat on the table between us.Come and take my crown, little queen. I dare you.He wasn’t negotiating. He was openly challenging me.I turned to the messenger. “What about the other three Kings? Did any of them surrender?”“No, Your Majesty.” He shook his head. “Their territories are carrying on as usual. They don’t seem worried about your demand.”I slowly exhaled. “They must be very powerful to treat this like a joke.”“They are,” Mira said from beside the table. “Those four Kings control some of the largest territories in the wolf world. They have armies, trade routes, alliances, and smaller packs that rely on them for protection. Most rulers would rather stay on their good side than make themselves an enemy.”I looked around the chamber. Most of the nobles already opposed my decision to confront the Kings. “So they think I can’t make them answer for what they did.”“They think you don’t have enough power to force them.”Before I could reply, the doors op