LOGINRONAN'S POVThe northern report lay open on my desk, but I had read the same lines so many times they were beginning to blur.Kael stood opposite me, his arms folded across his chest. His expression was grim.“How many settlements have reported sightings?” I asked.“Four so far, Your Majesty. The first report came from the northern border three days ago. At first, the patrol thought they were ordinary bears moving through the mountains. But the second group saw them shift.”“Bear shifters?”Kael nodded.“Large numbers of them. And they're not just moving through the territory. They're attacking our army posts.”I leaned back, my jaw tightening.“How many casualties?”“Twenty-three warriors injured. Seven are missing. We haven't confirmed whether they're dead or captured.”I stared at the map spread across my desk.The northern border was one of our largest territories. It was covered by thick forests, rocky hills, and several narrow mountain passes. If the enemy crossed those passes,
ELEN'S POVI waited until I reached my room before allowing myself to smile. It worked. It actually worked.Ronan granted my request in front of the entire palace, and there was nothing anyone could do about it now without making him look like a King who couldn't keep his word.I dropped the grateful expression I had worn in the courtyard and walked towards the mirror.My reflection looked exactly as I wanted it to: a young woman who had been through a terrible accident, a woman with nowhere to go, a woman who was grateful for the kindness of the royal family, a woman no one needed to fear.I smiled at myself. The thought of Aurora's furious eyes made it all the sweeter.I could still remember the way her eyes moved from me to Ronan when I made my request. She had expected him to refuse. I knew just how protective a woman could be when she felt threatened by another woman over her husband.But still, he agreed. That was the part I enjoyed most.I had watched them closely since my arri
AURORA'S POVThe courtyard was already crowded when Maelis and I arrived.Servants stood in neat rows while guards and members of the royal household gathered near the steps of the main hall. A few visitors from the surrounding packs had joined them too.I glanced at Maelis.“Did Ronan tell you what this gathering is about?”She shook her head.“No, Luna. I only heard that His Majesty wanted everyone present.”I looked towards the front of the courtyard.Ronan stood beside Kael, speaking to one of the senior warriors. When he noticed me, his face brightened slightly. He excused himself and walked over.“There's my Luna.”He took my hand and brushed his lips against my knuckles.“Good morning, my love.”“Good morning, Your Majesty. What's happening here?”“Just something I need to take care of.”I narrowed my eyes. “You know I don't like surprises. Tell me, please.”He laughed.“Patience, would you? Just wait.”Before I could question him further, Kael called for everyone's attention.
AURORA'S POVThe moment we returned to the palace, I noticed Naya waiting near the corridor.She looked worried. Her eyes moved from Ronan's injured arm to my face, then briefly towards the entrance behind us.“Your Majesty,” she greeted Ronan with a bow.“Naya.” Ronan gave her a brief nod. “The children, where are they?”“They are fast asleep, Your Majesty. They're doing very well.”“Good. I will have Kael send someone to bring them to me later.”He turned to me and brushed his fingers against my cheek.“I need to speak with Kael about the incident. I will see you later.”I nodded. “Don't forget to have your arm treated.”He smiled. “Yes, my Luna.”He kissed my forehead before walking away.I watched him disappear around the corner, then turned towards Naya.“What is it now? You look as though you can't wait to devour me whole.”Naya hesitated.“Luna, can we speak somewhere private?”I frowned slightly but followed her into the small sitting room beside the corridor. Maelis came in b
RONAN'S POV Two weeks had passed since the incident in the nursery. Aurora and I had been trying to make things better between us. We spoke more often, shared meals when our schedules allowed, and made an effort to spend time with the children together. But there were still moments when I felt the distance between us. I knew she was trying her best, and I was doing what little I could. Yet our responsibilities never seemed to give us enough room to simply be husband and wife. That morning, I had decided to spend some time at the training grounds with the warriors. The newly established packs were still adjusting to Emberfall's command, and I wanted to make sure our fighters remained prepared for anything. The courtyard was already alive with activity when I arrived. Warriors sparred in pairs while others practised with swords and spears. The sound of metal striking metal echoed across the grounds. “Your Majesty!” The warriors immediately paused and bowed. “At ease,”
RONAN'S POV My anger drained so quickly that I almost reached for her.“Aurora…I.."She carefully lowered Vreya into the cot beside her brothers. She adjusted the blanket over all four children, making sure none of them had been disturbed.Then she stood.“Excuse me.” Her voice was barely audible.She walked past me without looking up. I turned after her.“Wait.”She kept walking.“Aurora, I didn't mean…”The door closed behind her. I stood there, staring at it with my hand half raised.“Shit, what have I done?”The sound of the children breathing softly behind me was the only thing I could hear.A moment later, the door opened again, and Naya stepped inside.Her eyes moved from me to the empty chair beside the cot.“Alpha, is everything all right?”I looked towards the door and cleared my throat before speaking.“Yes.”Naya's expression changed. She approached the cot and checked the children's blankets before turning back to me.“Your Majesty, are the children all right?”“They are







