“She spoke with him, Alpha. Quietly. Like they knew each other. I was far, but I heard a few words—he handed her something… a charm or pendant. Said it would help her keep 'watch.' Called her ‘little shadow.’”

Lucien’s face darkened. "You're saying my mate is… spying for the Nightfangs?"

“I don’t know what she is, Alpha,” Merek said. “But she didn’t look confused. She looked... prepared.”

Lucien turned away, fists clenched, pulse thudding in his ears.

The nurse urged, “He needs rest.”

Lucien nodded slowly and stepped out of the room, mind racing. Aria. A charm. The Nightfang beta.

If this was true—then everything was about to change.

Lucien...