The moment I reached the palace gates, I shifted.

Bones cracked, realigned, and fur gave way to skin as I stumbled forward on two feet, drenched in blood, mud, and rage. A guard rushed toward me, head bowed, holding out a pair of shorts. I yanked them on without a word, chest still heaving, heart still thundering.

“Where is she?” I demanded, voice like gravel.

The guard swallowed hard, eyes wide. “The hospital wing, Your Majesty. Beta Matteo took her there.”

I didn’t wait for more. I took off down the marble halls, still dripping, barefoot, leaving red streaks across the pristine white floor.

The only thing I could think...