Rowan's POV
Alpha Malachi's voice still rang in my ears when the heavy doors of the hall slammed shut behind Lucian.
I stood frozen, every muscle tense, watching him follow his father out like a soldier walking into a battlefield.
Lucian's, father, Malachi D'Amaris, was ruthless.
A different kind of cruel. The kind of Alpha who commanded fear before respect.
I had seen him break men with a single look, and I knew Lucian would face more than harsh words tonight.
My stomach twisted just imagining it.
Fenric, my Lycan, whined in the back of my mind, his presence shrinking, tail between his legs.
He's going to hurt him, Fenric murmured, his voice a low growl in my head. We should protect him.
"And do what?" I thought back bitterly. Challenge Malachi? He'd rip us in half before we could shift.
I clenched my fists and forced myself to breathe. No one challenged the Umbralycan Alpha. Not even the sons of other Alphas.
