LOGINWhen they returned to the Blackthorn packhouse, Julian expected to find his mother in one of her usual places—the sunroom overlooking the gardens, or the small sitting alcove near the east corridor where she liked to read. She wasn’t there. He checked the parlor. The dining hall. Nothing. A fai
Julian sat at the kitchen table, tension still visible in the tight line of his shoulders as Kaelani moved at the counter, finishing the last touches on their breakfast. “I would have ripped his head clean off his shoulders,” he said quietly, though there was nothing casual about the way he said it
Lyressa’s expression softened, though there was quiet gravity beneath it. “The moment Draevyn fell, the illusion fell with him,” she said. “They saw clearly what they had refused to see. That they turned away from their rightful queen out of fear and ignorance.” Her gaze did not waver. “They were
Surprise flashed across Kaelani’s face as her eyes flicked briefly to Lyressa before returning to Julian. “I had some business to attend to,” she said. “I wasn’t gone that long. I thought you’d still be asleep.” Julian didn’t respond out loud. “You can’t just leave like that,” he said through the
Elara’s crying still echoed through the courtyard when Kaelani lifted her hands. Violet light flared outward from her palms in a sudden, controlled surge, rippling across the pack grounds in expanding waves. The energy arced over rooftops, threaded through the treeline, and sealed overhead in a vas
Kaelani glanced down at her palm, the cut sealing before her eyes. Garrick stepped forward. Slowly, intentionally, he lowered himself to one knee before her and placed his hand over his heart. “I, Garrick Blake, pledge my allegiance to Kaelani Blake of Silveredge. As Alpha. In loyalty. In service
She stood stunned, breath caught in her throat—heart racing. Julian snarled, still struggling, still seething, barely restrained. Alpha James moved in next, grabbing his son’s arm with both hands. “Stand down, now!” he barked. But Julian’s eyes were locked on Elara—nothing else existed. The fury
“I’m not joking.” Julian’s voice was level, emotionless. Elara sat back slowly, eyes wide, her face blank as though slapped clean of expression. Her fingers dug into the arms of her chair. Julian turned to her—not cold, but not gentle either. “We’re not compatible, Elara. I see that clearly now.
He stopped. Jaw clenched. Eyes darted away. “I was like what?” she challenged. He looked at her — torn open, not even sure what he was trying to say. “I don’t know,” he said hoarsely. “Like nothing makes sense unless you’re in it. But when you’re in it… I feel like I’m losing my mind.” She stare
Wrapped in a towel, Kaelani moved through the motions—dressing in a soft tee and jeans, nothing fancy. Just enough to feel covered. Present. Human. She stood at the bathroom mirror, brushing her teeth, then patting her face dry before smoothing on a light layer of moisturizer. Her skin care routine







