The citadel thrummed with nervous energy as night fell. Everyone could feel it—the approaching full moon, the weight of ancient power building in the air. Wolves were always more volatile during the full moon, their instincts sharper, their control more tenuous. But for an unmated Alpha King, it meant something far more dangerous.

Arianna stood in Duncan's quarters—her temporary sanctuary that had become something more complicated—watching the sun set through the tall windows. She'd spent the afternoon with Garrett, learning to control her newly restored wolf, practicing the shift until it came smoothly. Lily was still weak, still recovering, but she was there. Fully present. And that made all the...