Gunnar’s POV

I had just returned from that ridiculous Rite of the Borrowed Moon and Riley should be back anytime soon.

The entire thing had been long and exhausting, and the moment I stepped inside the pack house all I wanted was a moment to breathe and wash the dust off from my body. 

I walked through the corridor slowly, loosening the collar of my shirt as I moved. The halls of the royal pack house were never completely quiet, so the faint sound of whispers between servants did not surprise me at first.

But then I heard the words clearly.

“I cannot believe the king would poison his own...