LOGINBefore she could recover, the pull intensified. Her arm plunged deeper into the fire until half her forearm disappeared into the shifting light.She tried to yank free, but the fire dragged her in farther. So forcefully this time that her entire arm was engulfed to her shoulder.Another heatwave ripped through her, more aggressive than before. It was so violent that a pained noise escaped her throat but she luckily stopped it before it became a sob.She reached for her wolf.Nova: What is going on? Is it Jax still?Seraphine: I don't know. I can feel his wolf is restless.Nova: Why can't I pull my arm out?Seraphine: Don't fight it. We would already be burned if it meant to harm.From the side, Fin saw her eyes flickering between gold and silver. He knew exactly what that meant. She was asking her wolf what the hell was happening.Aeron stared at her, jaw tight, clearly debating whether he should intervene.Then the flames changed from red to pure white.Nova's composed expression ch
The heat washing into her grew hotter, then began to fade. "The flame knows truth," Aeron intoned, finally breaking the silence. "Should your heart bear deceit, should your soul have stained the vow to your mate and Gamma, should you dishonor them, or should the ancestors deem you unworthy of dominion, it will burn you. Do you stand ready to be judged?"Her voice came out calmer than she felt, which was a mercy. "I stand before the flame without deceit. Let it judge me as it will." "Alpha, it is within your right to deny or allow such motion. Do you have any objections for her to step into her role?""I hold no objections." Fin sounded like he'd been running a marathon with weights strapped to his body. Every word came out strained.Everyone heard it.Nova glanced at him again, genuinely concerned, but he didn't meet her gaze. She felt another wave of heat come over her."Do you offer your oath to Shadowclaw, to serve with strength of heart, clarity of mind, and loyalty unbroken as
Jax was locked in a battle, his wolf slamming against the inside of his ribs, desperate to surface.A territorial instinct in its purest form was all-consuming. Every thought collapsed into one word: mine. All of his muscles were coiled, ready lunge across that room and take what was his. His vision tunneled and hands shook, fighting the urge to drag her off that stone, mate, and mark. He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stay where he was by iron will.Jax: I swear to god, if you come to the surface and mark her and start mating her in the middle of this ceremony, I will be so pissed.Talon: I'm not out of my mind. She would hate us if we did that. I'm fighting it too.Jax: What is causing this? Is it her blood?Talon: I don't know. But hold your breath and don't look at her.Jax: This is ridiculous. And yet I am the genius who's going to follow your instructions.Talon: If we get out of this normal. You owe me a run in the woods!Jax did what any self-respe
Nova entered the chamber holding Jax's hand and immediately understood two things: this room was ancient, and Cael was absolutely offending Elder Kaelith. Cael stood behind Elle, his arms wrapped around her, sacred ceremony be damned. He kissed the top of her head unapologetically. Nova had never been in this chamber before; it was much larger than the one used for her pack initiation, with rows of stone pews. There were no windows, and the only light came from the large ceremonial metal basin at the front. The same Elder who was at her pack initiation, Elder Kaelith was watching Cael with narrowed eyes and pursed lips. When they reached their place, she and Elle made quick eye contact. The look on Elle's face said, I am well aware how offended this woman is and I am enjoying it.Nova fought the urge to grin, then she made eye contact with Fin. He held her gaze for a second, but then looked away first. "Beta Designate, step forward," Aeron intoned, his voice echoing through the c
"Your bath is ready. Perfect timing," Jax said with a small smile, standing up with Nova in his arms like she weighed nothing at all.He brushed a kiss against her temple."I-I can walk.""I know," he said, still carrying her.He stepped into the bathing chamber, shutting the door behind them before she could catch a glimpse of the omegas moving around in the main quarters. They were working quietly, transferring the last of her belongings.Jax wasn't giving her the chance to overthink anything. Not today.Inside the warm stone chamber, steam curled off the surface of the water. Scented oils and calming herbs floated on top, the perfect mix.He gently unzipped the back of her training suit. She winced as he pulled it off of her. "Hang on," he said, turning to grab a pair of scissors.Nova grabbed his arm. "No, I'm fine."Her heart was thudding. She heard all of what he said about her not training like she had been. But it hadn't sunk in yet. She was down to two training suits and she
Jax mindlinked one of the castle's senior omegas with simple instructions: draw Nova a bath, move quickly, and work discreetly.To her confusion, he led her into his private study, shutting the door behind them and cutting off her view of what was about to happen. He didn't want her seeing the omega servants moving her things just yet. Not until it was done.Because this wasn't his room anymore. It was theirs.She had been tiptoeing around their quarters, treating it like she was a guest. Like she didn't deserve to be there. But after tonight, she wouldn't have a choice. He was putting his foot down. She belonged here. With him. And he would not ignore his instincts with her moving forward.Jax guided her to the armchair near the fire and pulled her gently into his lap. She didn't fight it, but her muscles were still tense, her breathing uneven."We need to talk," he said, his voice low as he pulled her gently back further in his lap.She snuggled into the crook of his neck and he fe
Fin sat at the head of the war table, the heavy map of Shadowclaw spread before them.Jax leaned over one corner, tapping a region they needed to renegotiate, while Cael stood with his arms crossed, dissecting the risks like a man allergic to optimism.A firm knock sounded at the door.Fin didn't l
Lisa Rellane stood just inside the threshold of Princess Meredith's solar, hands clasped so tightly the knuckles were white.Meredith didn't look up right away. She finished signing a document with slow, deliberate strokes that made Lisa's stomach twist.Then the Princess raised her eyes."Well?" Me
Both men were planted in the doorway like fixtures, shoulders braced against the frame, arms crossed, expressions so carefully innocent they were incriminating all on their own.They had the frozen look of people who had been listening just long enough to get caught and were now scrambling to preten
Nova stirred, blinking groggily, her body heavy with the haze of sleep and something deeper.Something felt different.She shifted against the sheets, slow and confused.And then her eyes found him.Jax stood across the room. Shirtless, arms braced against the window ledge, his head bowed. One hand







