LOGIN~Calder’s POV~ The fire had almost burned itself out. Only a few red embers remained beneath the black wood, throwing enough light to paint the old stone walls in shadows. Outside, the wind whispered through the trees surrounding the abandoned watchtower. It had once belonged to Ashwood. My home. Now it was nothing more than broken stone and fading memories. I sat alone beside the fire with Gideon’s sword resting across my knees. My thumb traced the wolf carved into the hilt. The Ashwood crest. Time had worn the silver dull, but I remembered when it gleamed beneath the sun. I remembered when children chased each other through the training yard while warriors laughed instead of mourned. That world died long before this sword ever touched my hands. A floorboard creaked behind me. One of my men stepped into the room. “The girl hasn’t spoken.” I didn’t look up. “I didn’t expect her to.” “She refuses food.” “Leave it anyway.” He hesitated. “What if she keeps refusing
~Zara’s POV The forest was quiet when we reached the old stone house. Calder led the way through the broken gate while the others followed close behind. I walked near the middle of the group, keeping one eye on the princess. Elara’s wrists were bound with thick rope. She walked without stumbling, head high, even though dirt marked her dress and leaves clung to her hair. We had been careful with her. Not soft. Just careful. A royal prisoner was only useful if she stayed alive and unbroken enough to matter. The hideout sat deep among the trees, far from any road. Moss covered the walls. The roof had holes in places, but the main room was dry enough. Calder ordered two men to check the perimeter. Another started a fire in the old hearth. I guided Elara to a wooden chair against the wall and tied the rope to the leg so she could not stand without notice. She did not fight me. She only watched everything with those calm, cold eyes. I stepped back and looked
Nobody spoke for several long seconds. Every face around the table carried the same expression. Disbelief. I looked at the crest stitched into the black cloth. It had been in my castle this entire time. Right beneath my nose. I had welcomed Calder into Blackthorne. He came with smile and promises of friendship while his people moved through my kingdom unnoticed. The thought made my stomach twist. Thorne broke the silence first. “If had escaped with them, it must mean she is valuable to them. Maybe even working with them. I nodded slowly. “She is definitely working with them.” Jace leaned against the edge of the table. “But why did she try to kill herself at first?” His words settled heavily over the room. I looked toward Cressida. “You said Zara believed someone would come for her.” She nodded. “She looked so frightened and Shaken I was almost fooled.” I rubbed a hand over my jaw. “She wasn’t afraid they would come.” I looked around the chamber. “She
The first thing I did after sunrise was seal the gates. No one entered. No one left. If Calder was still inside Blackthorne, I would find him. If he had escaped, I wanted every road watched before he crossed the border. I stood in the middle of the courtyard as soldiers hurried in every direction. “Search every guest house,” I ordered. “Every stable, every carriage, every empty building. I want every man who arrived with Calder accounted for.” The captain struck his fist against his chest. “Yes, My King.” Thorne stepped beside me, already dressed for battle instead of court. “The western road is covered,” he said. “I’ve sent riders to the southern pass too.” “Good.” “What if they’ve already crossed the border?” I looked toward the massive gates. “They haven’t.” “You sound certain.” “I don’t believe Calder would leave without what he came for.” Those words settled between us like a storm cloud. Neither of us spoke again. Within minutes, another group of scouts returned
Thorne helped the healer lift Rowan onto the narrow bed inside the cell. The healer checked his pulse again before looking at me. “His heart is steady now my King.” “Then why did he collapse in the first place.” The healer shook his head “I don’t know.” He wiped the sweat from Rowan’s forehead. “It was almost as if his body couldn’t withstand whatever he saw.” I looked down at Rowan. Only moments ago he had spoken Calder’s name. Not guessed it. Not questioned it. He had seen it. I turned sharply. “Double the guards.” Thorne frowned. “On Rowan?” “Yes.” The healer moved to say something but decided it was best to be quiet. Good decision. I continued “I don’t want anyone entering these cells without my permission.” He nodded. “It’ll be done.” I looked at the healer. “If he wakes up before I return, send for me immediately.” “Yes, my King.” I didn’t wait another second.”Thorne.” He was already beside me. “We’re going into Blackthorne Park.” ⸻ Th
The moment the guard left, I looked at Thorne. “Send men into the pack.” He nodded. “To watch the western delegation?” “Not watch.” I started down the corridor. “Search.” He frowned. “My King, if we search openly, they’ll know we’re suspicious.” “I don’t want them to know.” “Then how?” “They’re guests. Use servants. Stable boys. Garden keepers. Anyone who can move through the park without raising questions.” Thorne understood immediately. “I’ll choose men they won’t notice.” “Good.” We left the fortress together. Morning had barely settled over Blackthorne. Servants crossed the courtyards carrying baskets of bread and water. Guards changed shifts along the walls. From a distance, everything looked peaceful. It wasn’t. My kingdom felt like it was holding its breath. Blackthorne Park sat beyond the fortress walls. Every visiting ruler and delegate had been given a private residence there. Large stone houses surrounded by gardens. Enough comfort
Cressida’s POV I lay on my narrow bed staring at the stone ceiling. Two whole nights had passed and Lucian had not sent for me. The silence felt heavy and suffocating. My wolf paced inside my chest, restless and jealous. What was he doing? Was he with another woman? The thought made my stomach
Lucian’ POV The door slammed behind Cressida with a finality that echoed through my chambers longer than it should have. How dare she? The words still burned on my tongue. She had slept in my bed, curled against me like she belonged there, and the very next morning she asked for a favor as if
The days began to blur inside the stone fortress. After the first brutal night, the routine shifted in small, almost imperceptible ways. The guards no longer dragged me through the halls like a prisoner. Instead, they escorted me with detached politeness. My meals improved. I started eating more
Cressida’s POV I stood frozen outside the door, the thin crack revealing a scene that shattered my world. Alpha Kael’s deep, guttural moans filled the room as he thrust into her with raw, punishing force. My best friend Zara clawed at his back, her legs wrapped tightly around his waist. “Yes!







