"What do you mean the King has suddenly summoned me to the palace?" Azerin snapped, his sharp gaze fixed on Soren.
Soren stood straight, hands clasped behind his back. "That's what the royal message says, Alpha. The order came directly from the King's envoy."
Azerin's brow furrowed deeply. "My father rarely calls me to the palace without reason. Something's off. Has anything unusual happened lately?"
"There's been no official word, but I have a feeling something's stirring," Soren replied cautiously. "The tone of the message was... urgent."
"My stepmother must be scheming something," Azerin muttered, a deep frown creasing his forehead.
Before Soren could respond, his nose twitched. His expression shifted to one of surprise. "Alpha… Why are you reeking of omega's pheromones?"
Azerin paused and lifted his sleeve, breathing in the faint, lingering scent Riven had left on him. His eyes darkened with an unreadable emotion.
