Nyx's Pov

The morning of Zade’s birthday came heavy and cold. The fortress buzzed with noise. Servants ran down the halls, guards barked orders, cooks filled the air with the smell of meat and spices.

I was still half-asleep when the knock came at my door.

The door swung open before I answered. Zade walked in, tall, broad, dressed in black that shimmered faintly in the torchlight. His eyes landed on me where I sat on the bed.

“You won’t work today,” he said flatly.

I blinked at him. “Why not?”

His jaw flexed. “Because it’s my birthday, Nyx. There will be Alphas everywhere. I don’t want them seeing you...