INICIAR SESIÓNCHAPTER 73The heavy bedchamber door closed behind me with a quiet click, sealing out the cold, silent hallway.The hearth had burned down to low, flickering coals, bathing the room in a dim orange light that cast long, distorted shadows across the stone floor. I let out a long breath, stepping away from the heavy oak door as my wolf finally settled back down beneath my skin. The sharp edge of my irritation had dulled now, replaced by the heavy, tactical weight of the border logistics settled in my mind.Vaelira was still sitting up against the velvet pillows, the thick covers pulled loosely around her waist. Her dark eyes tracked my every movement as I crossed the room, her brow furrowing slightly in deep suspicion as she watched my approach."What happened?" she asked quietly, her voice cutting through the soft crackle of the dying fire. "What did Elder Vane and Oakhaven want in the middle of the night?"I stripped off my heavy leather tunic, tossing it carelessly over the back of t
I stood up, pulling my tunic straight, and strode across the chamber in long, heavy steps. I unlatched the heavy wooden bolt and yanked the door open just enough to frame my massive shoulder.Kael stood in the stone hallway, his posture stiff and his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. He took one look at my dark, lethal scowl and swallowed hard, taking a subtle half-step back."This better be important, Kael," I growled out, my voice dropping into a dangerous, low rumble. "Or I will have your head on a spike by sunrise."Kael bowed his head quickly, his expression grim. "Forgive the intrusion, My King. But Elder Vane and Elder Oakhaven are waiting down in the study. They say a severe issue has broken out at the eastern border, and it cannot wait until morning."My eyes narrowed as the lingering warmth of the bedchamber died out completely. I glanced back over my shoulder toward Vaelira, who gave me a silent, encouraging nod from the bed."Lead the way," I commanded, stepping out i
CHAPTER 71: Malakor's POV I sat on the edge of the silk draped bed, my massive hands working steadily over Vaelira’s soft foot resting on my lap.The low glow of the hearth fire painted the room in warm gold, casting long, flickering shadows across the polished floorboards. My thumbs pressed firm, deliberate circles into the soft arch of her foot, working away the heavy tension left over from the long hours of the morning council. I felt her sink deeper into the plush velvet pillows behind her, a tiny, contented sigh escaping her lips that vibrated straight through the mate bond in my chest.My beast purred low beneath my skin, completely subdued by her presence. I looked up, catching her watching me with heavy, half-lidded eyes. A lazy, playful grin tugged at the corner of my mouth as my hands moved upward, massaging the soft flesh of her calf."So, my Queen," I drawled out, my voice thick with amused warmth, "how many little cubs are you planning to give me?"Vaelira blinked, her
CHAPTER 70: Vaelira's POV The grand council hall was cold, its high stone arches trapping the sharp winter draft that blew through the tall leaded windows.I sat beside Malakor on the raised dais, my posture straight and my hands resting calmly over the heavy velvet of my gown. Down the long marble table, the pack elders sat in their formal robes, their faces stern as they reviewed the maps laid before them. Malakor sat beside me like a mountain of dark iron, his thick arms resting on the carved wooden armrests, his heavy gaze sweeping over the council with quiet, absolute authority.Near the head of the table, Elder Oakhaven stood up.As a High Elder of the realm, he carried himself with rigid dignity, his gray hair slicked back and his fur-lined cloak pinned with the council crest. He smoothed the heavy parchment on the table, turning his face toward the dais to address the King and me."High King, Queen Vaelira," Elder Oakhaven began, his deep voice carrying clearly through the wi
CHAPTER 69The doors of the bedchamber clicked shut, sealing out the cold draft of the hallway and leaving only the quiet crackle of the hearth.I was already beneath the thick covers, pulled up straight to my chin. My back was turned toward the door, my eyes fixed blindly on the flickering shadows dancing across the stone wall. The scent of sweet lavender soap from the bath still clung to my skin, but it did nothing to wash away the heavy, lingering chill of the deep cells or the stinging betrayal of the day's events.Soft, deliberate footsteps crossed the polished floorboards, stopping right at the edge of the bed. The mattress dipped heavily under a massive weight, bringing with it the unmistakable warmth of dark oak, crisp night air, and pure wolf.Malakor did not say a word at first. He simply shifted, sliding beneath the covers.A moment later, his heavy arm settled over my full waist, his big, calloused hand reaching to pull me back against the broad furnace of his chest.I di
CHAPTER 68The heavy royal carriage rolled through the outer gates of the Vespera estate, its iron-rimmed wheels grinding against the cold gravel. The driver did not linger. The moment the carriage ground to a halt, the palace guard jumped down, unlatched the door, and stepped back without offering a hand.Elodia was the first to emerge. The moment the harsh daylight hit her eyes, she flinched, pulling her torn cloak tight around her trembling body. The air outside smelled of fresh pine and dirt, but the bitter stench of the dungeons, stale blood, damp rot, and cold fear still clung thick to her skin. Beside her, Malia Vespera stepped out onto the gravel. Her back was stiff, but every movement made her wince as her ruined gown rubbed against the fresh, angry whip, welts across her neck and shoulders.A few low-ranking pack members and estate servants were standing few feet away from the house's gate . When they saw the two women, their jaws dropped. They did not see noble ladies retur







