Kael Thorn stood on the highest balcony of Blackridge Keep, the freezing wind tearing at his cloak. From here, he could see the snow-dusted forests stretching far beyond the mountain's shadow. A kingdom of ice and steel—his domain.
But his thoughts were far away.
In a dungeon.
Bruised.
Poisoned.
Almost taken from him again.
Elara.
He closed his eyes, jaw tight enough to crack. He could still smell the wolfsbane lingering in her blood when he carried her out of Silvercrest. She had been cold, fading, slipping.
He would never forget that feeling.
Not again.
Never again.
The sound of approaching footsteps echoed behind him.
"Alpha," Ryden said, bowing slightly.
Kael didn't turn. "Did the Higher Table respond?"
Ryden nodded. "They moved faster than expected. The moment you sent the sealed report, the Council began their investigation. And… word has already reached Silvercrest."
Kael opened his eyes, a cold, merciless satisfaction flickering there.
"Good."
Ryden hesitated before speaking again. "There is more. A runner from our spies said Alpha Roran reacted badly. Very badly. He was apparently shocked that the Higher Table stepped in."
Kael finally turned, leaning one hand against the stone railing.
"He should be," Kael said quietly. "He dared imprison a divine-marked wolf. He dared touch what's mine."
Ryden didn't miss the possessive edge in his voice.
Kael wasn't thinking of politics.
Not the looming threat of war.
Not the Higher Table's scrutiny.
Not even Roran's unraveling sanity.
Only her.
Elara.
Bruised and fragile in his arms.
The scent of wolfsbane poisoning her veins.
Her heartbeat fluttering like a dying bird.
Ryden studied him carefully.
"Alpha… the Council's involvement means the situation will escalate. But you… you're still choosing to focus on her."
Kael's eyes hardened.
"And I will continue to—for as long as she breathes."
Ryden exhaled, almost relieved by Kael's certainty. "Very well. But… Kael—there's something else you should know."
Kael raised a brow.
Ryden shifted uncomfortably. "There are… whispers in the pack. You've heard them, haven't you? About your engagement."
A muscle twitched in Kael's jaw.
Ryden continued, "Your people are… confused. They say Blackridge is powerful and stable, but still without a Luna. Some think your engagement falling apart is a sign of weakness. Others say we're directionless. And now, with a mysterious woman brought into the Keep—one you guard personally—"
Kael turned fully, his presence suddenly overwhelming.
"Ryden."
The Beta straightened.
Kael's voice was low but absolute.
"My engagement was a political arrangement—nothing more. It served a purpose once. That purpose is gone."
Ryden swallowed. "Then… what will you tell the pack? They're expecting a Luna. They're expecting you to secure an alliance."
Kael looked toward the distant horizon, expression unreadable—then spoke, voice filled with quiet, ancient conviction.
"When I was young," he began, "my father took me to Bloodbane. It was supposed to be a diplomatic visit. Nothing more."
Ryden listened carefully. Kael rarely spoke about his past.
"That was the day I met her," Kael said, eyes softening for a fleeting second. "A little girl with soot on her face, hiding behind her mother's skirt. She looked at me, and… I knew."
He tapped his chest once.
"Here. I knew she was mine. Too early, too impossible—but the Moon called to me that day."
Ryden felt the hairs on his arms rise.
"She disappeared in the Bloodbane massacre," Kael continued. "I searched the ashes myself. For years, I thought she was dead. I have refused every mate bond since. I told the Moon herself—I would accept no one else."
His voice dropped into a vow.
"And now I have her back. And I will not lose her again."
Ryden bowed his head, understanding finally settling in.
No wonder Kael had been relentless.
No wonder he would burn the world to find her.
No wonder Blackridge had no Luna.
Ryden cleared his throat. "Then… you wish to tell the pack the truth?"
Kael shook his head.
"Not yet."
"Why?"
"Because right now," he murmured, "Elara is frightened. Injured. Confused. She doesn't even know the full truth about her lineage—about what she is… or who she is to me."
Ryden nodded slowly.
Kael stepped away from the railing.
"Prepare the healers," he ordered. "No one enters her room without my permission. Not a soul. Not even the ones closest to me."
"Yes, Alpha."
"And Ryden?"
The Beta paused.
"If Silvercrest thinks they can touch her again… if they even think her name with their filthy intentions…"
Kael's eyes glowed dangerously.
"…then the Higher Table won't need to punish them."
Ryden felt chills run down his spine.
Because Kael meant every single word.