*Rafe*

I can’t find Ainslee. I can’t find her anywhere.

I scour the pack house, frantic, poking my head into public and private places. I surprise servants and nobles. I get the impression Karl has called the Alphas in from their various regions and they are beginning to arrive.

My suspicion is confirmed when I push past the guards and throw open the doors to the receiving room. Karl is on his throne with Alphas sitting in a half circle around him. Some chairs are empty. I expect some Alphas are coming a long way and haven’t arrived yet.

“Rafe?” Karl says, startled from whatever they were talking about.

“I...