Kalev’s POV

Viktor chose the location.

The hunting grounds stretched along the northern edge of the Capital’s territory. They were a carefully maintained wilderness designed to feel dangerous without really being so. The trees stood tall and evenly spaced, while preserving the illusion of untouched land.

The paths were subtle but deliberate. The nobility went there to hunt pretend they were surviving something wild. But even the animals here were controlled.

Every animal was tracked. They were specially bred. They were released in calculated numbers to guarantee they could be hunted with certainty.

It was all smoke and mirrors, although none of the nobility actually openly recognized this.

“It’s been...