MasukRowan's hand remained firmly wrapped around the hilt of the dagger hidden beneath his cloak. His breathing stayed slow and even. A figure stood in the darkness watching him. "There's no need for you to be too cautious with me." The voice was calm, impossible to place. Rowan's eyes swept across the room, searching for even the slightest movement. "You asked me to come." "I did." "So step into the light." A brief silence followed. "I'm afraid that isn't possible." Rowan's grip tightened. "If this is a trap..." "It isn't." "You expect me to believe that?" "Of course, I expect that from you." The words echoed softly through the cellar. Rowan didn't lower his guard. "I didn't come this far to listen to someone hiding in the shadows." A faint chuckle drifted through the darkness. "Yet..."You still came." Silence settled between them. Neither of them spoke or moved. Finally, Rowan broke it. "You've been watching us since we entered the capital." "Yes. The stable hand, the ser
The palace gates opened slowly. A long line of merchants, craftsmen, and servants began moving through the entrance one group at a time. Rowan kept his head lowered beneath the hood of his coarse brown cloak. Beside him, Beta Lois carried a heavy wooden crate balanced against his shoulder. The rest of their men were scattered among different merchant caravans exactly as they had planned. No two warriors walked together. To anyone watching... They were nothing more than ordinary tradesmen answering the Lycan King's invitation for Welcoming Day. A Royal Guard stepped into their path. "Papers." The lead merchant quickly handed over a rolled parchment bearing the royal seal granted to approved traders. The guard studied it before motioning toward the wagons. "Search everything." Several soldiers immediately began inspecting every crate. Rowan remained perfectly still. This wasn't the first time he had stood within these walls. He already knew the palace. The towering stone arches
The Lycan Palace stirred long before sunrise. Servants hurried through the corridors carrying polished silver trays, embroidered banners, and fresh flowers gathered from the royal gardens. The sound of hurried footsteps echoed from every wing of the palace. The welcoming day had arrived. From her chamber window, Aria watched the palace grounds below. Carriages rolled through the outer gates one after another. Nobles dressed in elaborate robes stepped down, followed by merchants bearing expensive gifts and military commanders in ceremonial armor. The palace had never been this alive. Yet despite the celebration, the number of Royal Guards had doubled. Every entrance was heavily guarded. Even above the palace walls were lined with archers. "I guess they won't let their guard down," Aria murmured. A knock came at the door. Lady Elyra entered with two maids carrying a carefully folded gown. "Good morning, My Lady." Aria turned from the window. "You weren't exaggerating." Lady Ely
Ren sat quietly on the soft rug in the corner of the room, completely unaware of the storm that had just entered his mother’s life. His small wooden wolf moved across the floor as he happily made little growling sounds. Lina couldn’t take her eyes off him. He was really here. It’s not a dream or illusion. Her son. The child she had left behind in Mooncrest Pack, believing he was safe. Her hands still trembled as she reached out and gently brushed his hair. Ren looked up with a bright smile. “Mama, are we going home now?” The innocent question shattered what little composure Lina had left. She forced a smile on her face. “Soon, I promise. Ren nodded happily, accepting her answer without question. He returned to playing with his toy. Vaelric watched the exchange in silence. Only after several moments did he speak. “You love him very much.” Lina slowly rose to her feet. “Which mother wouldn’t love there son.” “I know.”His voice remained calm. “That is precisely why he is here.”
The Royal Guard stopped outside a pair of towering doors. He turned to Lina. “His Majesty is expecting you.”Lina stared at the doors. Her heart pounded so violently she was certain the guard could hear it. This was it. The warning she had given Aria.The poisoned soup she had failed to give Aria. The messenger eventually knew about it. The Lycan King knew everything too. The guard pushed the doors open. “Lady Lina.” She forced her trembling legs to move. The throne room felt colder than she remembered. Sunlight poured through the towering windows, yet the chamber seemed cloaked in shadow. Vaelric stood beside the throne, his hands clasped behind his back. Lady Elyra stood several paces away. The messenger was nowhere to be seen. Lina lowered her head. “You summoned me, Your Majesty.” “I did.” His voice remained calm. Too calm for someone she had disobeyed.“Come closer.” She obeyed. Every step felt heavier than the last. When she finally stopped before him, Vaelric studied h
Morning arrived over the Lycan Palace. Aria had barely slept. The parchment lay hidden beneath a loose stone in her chamber floor. She had read it countless times during the night, yet every glance only deepened the mystery. A quiet knock sounded. "My Lady." Lady Elyra entered carrying a breakfast tray. "As always." She placed the tray on the table. "His Majesty wishes to see you after your meal." Aria's heart sank. "Another crystal ritual?" Lady Elyra shook her head. "No. He gave no reason." Before Aria could ask another question, another knock echoed through the chamber. Kael entered. He looked from Lady Elyra to Aria before speaking. "The King has requested that I escort you." Lady Elyra gave a respectful nod and quietly withdrew. The chamber door closed. For a moment, neither Aria nor Kael spoke. Finally, Kael lowered his voice. "Did you hide the parchment?" "Yes." "Good." He walked to the window and checked the courtyard below before turning back. "I've
The carriage rolled to a stop in the courtyard of Mooncrest. Lina felt the jolt through her bones, or perhaps it was only her nerves, wound tight as bowstrings since the moment Beta Morris had appeared at her cottage door. Outside, she could hear the stamp of hooves on cobblestone, the low murmu
The healer's voice was gentle but firm. "You need rest, Aria. The baby is healthy, but your body is working hard. The rogue threat isn't going anywhere, and neither should you. Let the warriors handle the patrols." Aria sat on the edge of the cot in the healer's wing, her hands resting on the cu
IN NIGHTFANG PACK Kael stood at the window of his study, watching the moon rise over the mountains. The training yard below was empty. The warriors trained in the mornings and take turns in the evenings and no one lingered after dark. The fortress felt hollow, as if something vital had been carve
"This isn't finished," Alpha Magnus said quietly."The meeting chamber," “Now.” He commanded.The remaining few fell into step behind him,Elder Aldric, his weathered face heavy with trouble; Elder Helena, sharp-eyed and watchful; Luna Lydia with her hand resting possessively on Selene's shoulder; B







