KNOX
I stand in the castle's shattered courtyard, surveying the devastation with grim determination. Broken stone and pools of blood stain the ground where enemy forces breached our defenses. The metallic scent of wolf poison hangs heavy in the smoke-filled air, and around me, guards work to clear debris while tending to the wounded.
The weight of impending leadership settles on my shoulders—not because my father lacked strength, but because he's gone and the kingdom needs stability. I channel my anguish into action, the way he would have.
"Secure the perimeter," I command Gamma Campbell, who approaches with a deep gash across his forehead. "Double the guard rotations and station archers on every tower."
"Yes, Your Highness." He salutes despite his injuries. "We've coordinated immediate
AUBREYI can't breathe as Knox's hand wraps around my wrist, pulling me away from the dungeons. The guards step aside without question—they don't dare challenge their Alpha King. But it's not his authority that has my heart hammering against my ribs. It's what he said moments ago, the words that still echo in my ears like a prayer I never dared hope to hear.His Luna.He called me his Luna.My wolf stirs for the first time in days, her voice a whisper of desperate hope. "He doesn't hate us," she murmurs, and I feel the truth of it in the way Knox's touch sends warmth up my arm. "There's no hatred in him. Only concern."
KNOXI stand in the castle's shattered courtyard, surveying the devastation with grim determination. Broken stone and pools of blood stain the ground where enemy forces breached our defenses. The metallic scent of wolf poison hangs heavy in the smoke-filled air, and around me, guards work to clear debris while tending to the wounded.The weight of impending leadership settles on my shoulders—not because my father lacked strength, but because he's gone and the kingdom needs stability. I channel my anguish into action, the way he would have."Secure the perimeter," I command Gamma Campbell, who approaches with a deep gash across his forehead. "Double the guard rotations and station archers on every tower.""Yes, Your Highness." He salutes despite his injuries. "We've coordinated immediate
AUBREYI drag myself back to consciousness like fighting through thick mud, my eyes fluttering open to soft candlelight flickering against stone walls. The herbal scent of healing potions hits me first, followed by the quiet crackling of a fire in the hearth. My body feels foreign and heavy, wrapped in clean linen sheets that smell of lavender."Aubrey?" Caroline's voice draws my attention to the chair beside my bed. Noah's mate sits forward with obvious relief, her brown eyes bright with concern. "Thank the Moon Goddess you're awake."I try to speak but my throat feels raw and scratched. Caroline quickly reaches for a pewter cup of water, helping me take small sips until I can finally manage words."What happened?" My voice comes out barely above a whisper.
AUBREYThe sound stops me cold—Iris's voice rising in pain. I spin around, my heart lurching as I spot Jax gripping her by the throat, his fingers digging into her pale skin. Her green eyes are wide with terror, her hands clawing uselessly at his arm."No!" The word tears from my chest as I try to rush forward, but several Jax warriors step into my path, blocking my way. Their faces are blank, emotionless—soldiers following orders without question.I don't hesitate. My wolf surges forward, and I feel my claws extend as I launch myself at the first warrior. My enhanced strength sends him flying backward, his throat torn open before he hits the ground. The second swings at me with brutal force, but I'm already moving with werewolf speed, ducking under his strike and raking my claws across his chest.
KNOXSnarling wolves and tearing flesh echo across the castle grounds as chaos erupts. I shift partially, claws extending as I swipe at an enemy warrior's throat. Blood sprays, but another Jax Manor soldier charges toward me, fully shifted into his massive black wolf form."Hold the east wall!" I roar to Gamma Campbell as I dodge snapping jaws. The seasoned warrior rallies our defenders against the wave of enemy wolves pouring through our breached defenses.My heart pounds as I scan for Aubrey's blonde hair among the chaos. Where is she?I sink claws deep into another attacker's chest. Around me, war fills the night—howls of pain, bodies hitting stone, blood mixing with wolf poison."Prince Knox!" Astor appears, clothes torn and gore-splatte
JAXThe distant hillside offers the perfect vantage point. Hours have passed since the ceremony ended. I watched it all—Aubrey gliding down that aisle in ivory silk, Knox sliding that wedding ring onto her finger like he has any right to claim what I created.But soon, that pristine white will be stained crimson."My lord," Avery approaches, violet eyes bright with anticipation. "They're distracted by joy and wine. We should strike now.""No. Not yet." My voice carries enough menace to make her step back. "I don't want them dead drunk on happiness. I want them conscious. I want my father to know exactly who's taking his life."Hours pass. I watch the reception wind down, guests departing, Knox escorting his bride to their chambers. When the