MasukDelilah POV
“In all my years of practice,” he said, hands clasped behind his back, “I’ve never seen such disregard for seniority. That young doctor should have been disciplined the moment she declined an appointment with me.” Dr. Anderson’s voice echoed as we walked down the corridor.
He was beside me like a man addressing an eager student. I pretended to listen, keeping my ears attentive to every word he said. It was working as it was just the way he liked.
“You’re right, Doctor. His Majesty shouldn’t tolerate it. It sets the wrong example for the younger staff. A surgeon that is inexperienced shouldn’t be allowed so much independence.”
Anderson seemed pleased by my agreement. “Exactly. A woman with such youth at her side would still be ruled by emotion. When she’s given authority, she mistakes it for brilliance and it’s dangerous.”
I nodded pol
Queen Mother POVThe call came precisely as Nicole promised. Nicole’s voice was low and hushed, betraying only a fraction of the excitement she tried to mask. “Your Highness, the files are ready. Shadow recorder footage and audio of the courtyard encounter between the King and the Healer. It is as you requested.”I leaned back in my chair, letting the chill of the evening settle into my bones. My fingers hovered briefly over the controls before I opened t
Adeline POVI arrived at the cub school earlier than planned. The morning air still held the sharp chill of dawn, and the courtyard carried the hums of young wolves shuffling in clusters. I kept my hood low and my coat fastened, careful to maintain the same neutral aura I used this morning. Today, I wasn't here to meddle with anyone. I was just another visiting healer doing her rotation.The pastries were still warm inside the insulated bag against my palm. They were ordin
Adeline’s POVThirty million crystals.The number sat on my tablet screen like a wallpaper, bright and unapologetic. I had typed it twice, stared at it, deleted it, then typed it again. My assistant hovered at the edge of the desk, waiting for my final confirmation. The way she looked at me, it was like a junior surgeon waiting for a nod before making the first cut.
Vincent POVThe sound of Myra’s cry cut straight through my chest. The sight of the blood did worse.Her nose streamed red, and fresh blood bubbled from the corner of her mouth. She made a thin choking sound. I caught her before she fell forward, lifting her into my arms in one motion. Her small fingers clung to my collar, slick with tears.
Delilah POVI had decided to visit the manor. A soft presence could soothe the tension that has been around lately, and Vincent valued such attention around his daughter. The guards knew me and stepped aside without hesitation. The manor doors opened into warm light. Myra sat on the floor with her picture books spread around her. She did not look up immediately. She never rushed for me the way she did for him.
Adeline’s POVI was supposed to be running routine checks—at least, that was what I kept telling myself as I put on my mask and gloves over the bench.The only issue was that my stomach had that tight warning sign it gets when life is about to stop being simple. I loaded the last sample into the analyzer and keyed in the sequence. A soft beep answered me. The machine hummed







