AURENNA’S POVI was helping organize repairs on Vethara's eastern fence when I heard the sound. Every muscle in my body stiffened instantly.I knew those horns and I knew who was coming."Commander." Sergeant Wren appeared at my shoulder. "The Alpha King's convoy is approaching from the South road. It looks official. At least twenty riders.""I see." I set down the wooden post I was holding and brushed the dirt from my hands. If I moved too quickly right now, I might do something I would regret. "Form an honor line at the village entrance," I said. "Keep it simple. We're not his royal court.”"Yes, Commander."I had four minutes. I used them to rebuild my defenses. Nothing that could be read as anger or fear. No signs that I knew what he truly was. I locked every thought behind a wall I had erected in my mind.In my first life, I had done the opposite. I had opened myself completely to him, sharing every hope, every fear, every dream. Now I know how to close those doors.By the time
Last Updated : 2026-07-28 Read more