LOGINAs I left the room, I walked straight to the security wing. I had no idea how I was supposed to meet the man I wanted to, so I could only ask for help from the people who knew how. As I walked, I didn't feel the harsh wind biting on my skin, I only felt the weight of my father’s legacy slipping through Cade’s treacherous fingers. Every step I took was a nail in the coffin of my so-called marriage.I reached the massive, silver veined doors of the King’s private sector. This wasn't the guest area, it was the nerve center of the realm, guarded by the Royal Sentinels. These are men who looked more like statues of black armor than living breathing wolves.I didn't hesitate as I marched up to the lead guard, a man whose helmet visor shimmered with a golden interface."I am Luna Risa of the North," I said, my voice projecting a cold authority I hadn't known I possessed. "I am requesting an immediate private audience with the High King. It is a matter of sovereign security and the illegal l
The heavy doors of our villa slammed shut behind me and my blood was roaring, as I remembered the Lunas' mocking laughter and the weight of Cades betrayal. I marched straight into the study, the scent of expensive wine and paper hitting my senses. Cade was there already and he was leaning over his tablet, his face illuminated by the blue glow of the screen, he looked like he was concentrating on something probably important. He didn't even look up as I entered, though the sheer force of my presence must have vibrated through the floorboards."You’re late for the briefing," he said, his voice flat and clinical. "I have already coordinated with the Western Alphas for the trade routes. We need to make sure we are…""How much did you sell them for?" My voice was rough as I stared at him. The silence that followed was thick enough to choke on. Slowly, Cade looked up, his expression didn't flicker with guilt, instead, it settled into a defensive sneer. "I don't know what you’re talking ab
The heels of my shoes struck the polished tiles of the long corridor with a sharp snap that echoed my rising anxiety. I had slipped out of the Council Chamber before the first Alpha could even draw a breath to complain about Kael’s new security mandate. I couldn't stand the smell of their suppressed fear a second longer, it was annoying to watch grown ass men act like toddlers.I reached a quiet alcove overlooking the mist-shrouded valley and pulled out my phone. I had a missed call from Axel. I hit the callback button immediately and he picked up on the second ring."Risa, thank the goddess you called back," his voice was low, "I’ve been monitoring the server logs from the Northern terminal back home. Things look... wrong. How are you holding up at that place?""I'm surviving, Axel," I said, leaning my forehead against the cool glass of the window. The mountain wind howled on the other side, muffled and frustrated. "But Kael just announced a unified security policy. He’s taking over
The heavy doors had barely hissed shut behind Kael before the vacuum he left was filled with a frantic energy from the alphas still seated. It was as if the oxygen which was drained out moments ago had suddenly rushed back into the room, and every Alpha in the chamber was choking on it.Silas was the first to act as he slammed his fist onto the table, the sound echoing like a gunshot. "One security signal? A unified network? He’s not asking for cooperation, that monster is blatantly asking for our throats!" He hissed with disdain and the veins on his head looked like they were about to pop out. His Luna was on the side trying to tell him to calm down but he shrugged her off. "It’s worse than a takeover," Miller of the West added, his voice thin and shrill. He was pacing the length of the glass window, his reflection ghostly against the drop of the valley. "If he controls the encryption, he controls all our movements, our trade, and our very lives. We might as well hand him our title
Kael leaned back, his fingers interlaced over his midnight-blue tunic. He looked relaxed, almost bored, but his eyes were like two blue lasers scanning the room for any form of weaknesses."The borders," Kael began, his voice dropping into a deceptively calm tone. "I’ve spent the morning reviewing the satellite feeds from the Southern Reach and the Northern pack.” He paused as he let the words sink in and I could see all the alphas gulping nervously. “It’s fascinating, really.” He grinned, but it was clearly not out of amusement. “We spend billions on drone technology and biometric fencing, yet the reports of rogue incursions have tripled in the last quarter."Alpha Silas cleared his throat, the sound like gravel in a blender. "Your Majesty, the terrain in the Ridge is difficult and the rogues are using the old mining tunnels to bypass the sensors. We are doing everything we possibly can to….""Everything?" Kael interrupted. He didn't raise his voice, but the word cut through the air
The air in the Grand Hall didn't just feel cold and suffocating, it felt thin, as if Kael were personally consuming all the oxygen as he descended the final steps of the dais. My heart was thumping frantically against my ribs, the vibration traveling through all the pulse and cores in my body.Cade’s reaction was definitely not to be missed as well. His hand, previously resting with fake affection on my arm, suddenly clamped down. His fingers dug into my bicep, his knuckles turning a ghostly white as he held me possessively with jealousy. It wasn't a gesture of protection but it was just a brand of ownership that he wanted everyone to see. Kael didn't look at the Alphas bowing in his wake. He didn't look at the opulent decorations or the shimmering chandeliers. His eyes…. those predatory, piercing blue were locked onto mine. Every step he took toward us felt like a countdown as the distance closed from ten feet, five, three…and I found myself holding my breath, my lungs burning, wait
I felt the heat of a hundred stares prickling my skin as everyone watched us in shock. I could already hear the whispers starting, but Kael somehow drew my attention back to him."The music is far too beautiful to waste, don't you think?" Kael said with a smile plastered on his unbelievably handsom
"I am honored, Your Majesty," I said, my voice projecting just enough to reach the ears of the surrounding nobles. I didn't look at Cade, though the heat radiating from him was enough to burn. "It is a rare privilege to wear jewels from the royal household. They are... remarkably fitting." Kael le
The last of the cars rolled down the gravel drive, their head lights fading as the guards shut the gates. I stood on the entrance, my feet aching in the silver heels as I let the sudden silence sink in. My soul felt like it had been scraped raw and left bare for the whole world to see. I had spent
It was the night of the ball and I was supposed to be getting ready. Two boxes sat on my lounge and I stared at them, weighing my options. Cade had gifted me a pale gold gown for the ball like he said he would. It was undoubtedly beautiful, but I guess I was way too stubborn to swallow my pride







