The Alpha King studied our preparations with professional concern. "The intelligence about the Rogue King's conspiracy is compelling. But politics isn't always about facts. Council members are influenced by gossip, personal relationships, and fears about their own positions.""How do we combat manuf
Aurora's POVThe night before our departure for the Alpha Council meeting, Kane and I camped out in the stronghold's library like students cramming for finals.Ancient books surrounded us. They seemed to judge us silently as we prepared for what might be the most important presentation of our lives.
Kane had gone pale. The implications were hitting him like a freight train. "He's not just attacking us. He's using our relationship to undermine the Alpha King's credibility with the council."The political strategy was brilliant. Manipulative as hell, but brilliant. By portraying me as mentally un
Aurora's POVThe walk back to the Alpha King's stronghold stretched on forever. Kane and I didn't speak much. What was there to say? We didn’t complete the mission, and now Raymond was in worse shape than before.Every footstep felt like we were abandoning him to Giana's claws."We made everything w
"We've been discovered," Kane said tersely. His weapon appeared in his hands like magic.The artifact's glow suddenly intensified. Its dark energy pulsed with renewed strength. Instead of being destroyed by our interference, it seemed to be drawing power from our proximity. Growing stronger rather t
Aurora's POVThe old smuggler's tunnels beneath Blood Moon territory smelled like my childhood nightmares. Damp earth. Rotting wood. That musty scent of secrets buried too long underground.Kane and I crept through the narrow passages like ghosts. Our footsteps were silent on the soft ground. These