LOGINAria’s POVVoices drifted toward us, then two guards were walking down the corridor.We pressed ourselves against the wall and waited.“Did they search the lower chambers again?” one of them asked.“There's no point,” the other replied. “Ronan said the king isn't there.”My stomach tightened as the first guard lowered his voice.“Then where is he?”The second guard glanced around before answering.“I heard he's somewhere beneath the fortress. One of the restricted chambers.”I looked at Derek.He was already looking at me.The guards continued walking, their voices fading into the distance.“Lower chambers,” I whispered.Derek nodded.“We finally know where to look.”Getting there wasn't easy.We had to hide twice when guards passed through the corridors, and at one point Derek pulled me behind a stone pillar just seconds before someone turned the corner.When we finally reached the restricted wing, I could hear my own heartbeat.There were guards stationed nearby, then Derek leaned t
Aria’s POV“Absolutely not.”Derek didn’t even give me a chance to finish.I stared at him from across the room, trying to decide whether to be offended or simply ignore him.“You don't even know what I was going to say.”“I know you well enough.” He folded his arms across his chest and gave me a look that made it clear he wasn't going to be easily persuaded. “And judging by the way you've been pacing around for the last ten minutes, whatever you're planning is going to get us into trouble.”“I want to find Eros.” I said finally.His expression changed.For a moment, the room went quiet.Then he sighed and rubbed a hand over his face.“Aria…”“I know what you're going to say.” I said reluctantly.“Good, because I'm going to say it anyway. We don't know where he is. We don't know who has him, and we have no idea what we're walking into if we go back there.”“I know.”“Then why are you looking at me like you've already made up your mind?”“Because I have.”Derek stared at me.I could se
Ronan’s POVI turned down the hall, my cloak brushing the floor, and headed straight for the lower chambers where I’d left Eros.If the elders wanted proof, I’d give them a corpse.And after that, once Darren and Elara were nothing but blood and ash, the pack would finally be mine.The day for the search came like a wind. I moved ahead of the others, my boots scraping against the marble floor, my voice steady enough to hide the storm brewing underneath. The elders had gathered at dawn, their faces grim, their voices hushed. I walked at the head of the small search party, every step echoed like a heartbeat. Behind me, the elders whispered, the betas muttered, and I could feel their suspicion like a blade at my back.They insisted that we searched the house first, and even though that didn’t sit well with me, I had to agree. I turned left, toward the lower chamber, my pulse steady. If they found him now, it was over and I couldn't afford for that to happen.I was halfway down the hall
Ronan’s POVAnother elder scoffed softly. “You were always loyal to him, Ronan. But this story doesn’t fit.”“Why not?” I asked, just sharp enough to show offense, not guilt.“Because the last time we came to see him,” the guards said, “Ronan told us the king was resting. That was nearly ten days ago.”I clenched my jaw inwardly but kept my expression soft. “He was grieving. He didn’t want the council to see him that way. He thought it would make him look weak, I was only acting on his instructions.”“Perhaps,” Tavis said, “but now he’s vanished entirely. You understand how this looks?”“Yes,” I said quietly, “and it breaks my heart as much as yours.”They exchanged looks, silent conversations made of raised brows and half-frowns. I could see it: they didn’t believe a word I said. Finally, Elder Seran said, “We’ll be raising a search party. Until the king is found, alive or dead, no one assumes command of this pack. Not you, not anyone.”The words slid into my chest like a blade.“O
Ronan’s POV They’d just created more reasons for me to gut them both.I tightened my gloves, exhaled once, and nodded for my men to follow. “We’re leaving, we need to get them.”“Yes, sir,” one said quickly, jogging to keep up.We made it out to the main corridor. I moved fast, every step echoing off the stone walls, every nerve in my body alive with fury.But a part of me couldn't stop thinking about Eros, “Why was he taking so long to die?” I muttered under my breath, shaking my head. “You’re lucky bullets don’t kill Lycans. Otherwise, I’d have put one between your eyes weeks ago.”We continued walking, there were more important things to handle.We were halfway to the gates when a voice called out behind me.“Ronan!”It was one of the guards stationed outside. He jogged over, breathing hard. “The council of elders have gathered. They’re waiting for you.”I frowned, that was the exact news I’d been waiting for even though I didn’t want it to obstruct my movement. “They want answ
Ronan’s POVMy men and I bounced to where he was, and grabbed him, throwing him on the floor like the piece of trash he was. Kellen hit the floor with a heavy thud, coughing up blood and dirt. He tried to lift his head, but one of my men kicked him square in the gut, knocking the air right out of him. The sound that came out of him wasn’t even human, it was a cracked, wet choke.“Again,” I said quietly.They didn’t hesitate. Their fists landed against his flesh in a dull, brutal rhythm. The smell of blood and sweat thickened the air. I just stood there, my arms folded, watching them with not a flicker of sympathy. Not even satisfaction, just focus.“Talk,” I said finally, crouching beside him. My voice was calm, steady. That always scared them more than shouting did. “Where are they?”He lifted his head an inch, his right eye already swollen shut. “Go to hell.”I gave a small smile. “You first.” He spat on my face. I motioned to one of the guards, who brought over a bucket of col
Aria’s POV The unease sharpened. I tried the handle and it gave in easily. The room was dark, empty, the bed untouched.I stepped inside, scanning the space. No fresh clothes were missing, no sign of her apron. The lamp was still cold.“Where are you?” I muttered under my breath. “Where is cassia?
Aria’s POV Lowell entered, bowing his head respectfully. “My King, my Luna.” His tone carried weight, urgency. “I have news for you, king Eros.”Eros’s jaw tightened and his eyes flickered toward me, then back to Lowell. “Later.” He said hastily. “We’ll talk about it later.”Lowell hesitated, cl
Aria’s POV I shook the thought away and scrambled to my feet. My hands patted frantically at my dress, my hair, my skin. My clothes were still intact. No strange sensations. Nothing happened. Relief coursed through me, followed quickly by a wave of embarrassment.I slipped out of the room as quiet
Aria’s POV “I wanted to forget about my problems for a while.”His brows furrowed, but he didn’t argue. He just searched my face, as if he could read the words I wasn’t saying.Silence stretched between us, thick with everything I didn't want to say. His thumb lingered at my chin, his gaze locked







