The first rays of dawn crept through the heavy curtains of the King's chamber, painting golden streaks across the stone floor. Arianna's eyes fluttered open slowly, her body aching in ways she'd never experienced before.

For a moment, she forgot where she was. Then the memories came flooding back—not of her wedding day, not of leading her pack, but of being sold, brought here, and surviving the night that should have killed her.

She was alive.

Her breath caught as she became aware of the warmth beside her. King Duncan lay sleeping, his breathing deep and steady, the golden-red glow finally faded from his eyes. In the soft morning light...