LOGINThe Man WaitingRowan’s POVThe wolves followed us all the way back to the castle. Hundreds of them. They didn't attack. They didn't growl. They simply walked through the forest in silence, surrounding Kael, me, and my son. Every few minutes, another wolf appeared between the trees.Kael noticed it too. They're following him. I looked down at my baby. He was asleep against my chest. Peaceful. As if he hadn't just survived a kidnapping, a collapsing temple, and an ancient creature rising from beneath the earth. I kissed his forehead. Let them follow.Kael looked at me. You aren't afraid? I was afraid when he was gone. I held my son closer. Now he's back. Kael reached for my free hand. His fingers locked around mine. I thought I had lost both of you. You didn't. I know. He lifted my hand and kissed my knuckles. I still need to hear it.I smiled. We're here. Kael leaned closer. So am I. For a moment, the war disappeared. There was only us. Our son. And the quiet road home. Then a horn so
Beneath the TempleRowan’s PO“Finally.”The voice came from behind us. My son stopped moving. He simply stared into the darkness. I pulled him against my chest.Kael. I shouted. I have you. Kael's arm locked around my waist. The floor beneath us cracked again. A black hand rose through the broken stone. Garrick shouted.Move! Kael shoved me backward. The hand struck where I had been standing.Stone exploded through the chamber. Damon grabbed Ryan by the collar. What did you awaken? Ryan fought against him.I didn't awaken anything. You brought us here! I was told the temple would choose the child! Damon slammed him against the wall. By who? Ryan's eyes flicked to the darkness.The Chancellor. Damon released him. You idiot. The ground shook harder. Then something climbed from the pit. It wasn't a wolf. It wasn't a man. It looked like both. Its body was covered in black armor-like scales, but its face was almost human. Two silver eyes fixed on my son. Kael stepped in front of me. Stay
The ChoiceRowan’s POVDamon has chosen not to bring him home.The words wouldn't leave my head. I sat beside the empty cradle, still holding the message. Garrick stood near the door. Rowan, that letter could have been written by anyone.It knew about Damon. That doesn't prove anything. It knows where my son is. Garrick stepped closer. That's exactly why you shouldn't trust it. I looked down at the blanket in my hands. Ryan had already taken almost everything from me once.My family. My pack. My dignity. Damon.I wouldn't let him take my trust too. Find Kael. He's already on his way to the western forest. Then find him faster. Garrick nodded and left. I stayed behind. The silence became unbearable. I placed the blanket inside the cradle. Then I whispered the words I had said every night since my son was born. Come back to me.A small silver glow appeared on my wrist.I stopped. The Moon Crest pulsed once. Then again. I stood. The light pointed toward the western forest. He's alive. Th
The Child They StoleRowan’s POVThe nursery was too quiet. I stood beside the overturned cradle, clutching my son's blanket while the castle shook around me.Every few seconds, I looked toward the door. Kael would come. He had to. But when the door finally opened, it wasn't Kael. It was Garrick.His face told me something was wrong before he spoke. Where is he? I demanded. Garrick closed the door behind him. Rowan—Don't say my name like that. Tell me where my son is! We're searching the western passage. Damon followed the rider. And Kael? Still defending the eastern gate.I laughed, but the sound broke halfway through. My baby has been taken, and Kael is fighting a battle he doesn't even know we've already lost. Garrick moved closer. We haven't lost him. How can you say that? Because we're bringing him home.I turned away. I couldn't bear another promise. A crash sounded outside. Someone shouted an order. Boots thundered along the corridor. Then Kael appeared. His sword was bloody, h
The Price of BetrayalRowan’s POV“Let the first blood be shed!”Ryan's command sounded through the valley. The Northern gates remained closed. For one brief moment, neither army moved. Then Kael stepped onto the balcony. You have crossed into my territory, he called. Lower your weapons and leave. I will not repeat myself. Ryan laughed.Still hiding behind royal authority, Kael? I'm giving you one chance to leave with your soldiers alive. How generous. Ryan raised his sword. I didn't come for your kingdom. His gaze found me. I came for my brother.My fingers curled around the balcony railing.Damon moved forward. Ryan! My brother turned. His smile widened. Alpha Damon. Or should I say former Alpha? A murmur passed through the Nightfang ranks. Damon's face remained expressionless. You have no right to lead those wolves.The crown disagrees. You stole that crown. And you surrendered yours. Ryan spread his arms. Look at you. Standing beside the man who took your mate, begging for a plac
The Price of His CrownRowan’s POVThe message followed us out of the mountain. THE FIRST CLAIM MUST BE PAID IN BLOOD. I couldn't stop thinking about it. Kael kept one arm around me as we hurried toward the horses. My son slept against my chest, unaware that his uncle was leading an army toward the kingdom that had become his home.Garrick was already waiting. Your Majesty, the eastern scouts confirm it. Ryan's forces have crossed the mountain pass. How far away? Kael asked. Less than two hours from the outer villages. Kael mounted his horse, then reached down for me. Give me the baby. I'll help you up. I shook my head. I can manage. I know you can.He held out his hand anyway. Let me help you. That softened something inside me. I passed our son to him long enough to mount, then took the baby back. Kael settled behind me, wrapping one arm around my waist and keeping his other hand close to our child.You're holding both of us hostage, I murmured. I'm keeping my family close. Is that







