Riley’s POV:

“I challenge you to a duel.”

Lucien’s calm voice split the air like a blade.

Riley’s breath caught in her throat, and for a brief moment, she could do nothing else but turn, wide-eyed, towards her mate.

Alder stood frozen, his eyes narrowed and his jaw tight.

Her heart sank further as she saw his expression. That was all the confirmation she needed. His silence spoke louder than whatever words he might have had to say.

Cold fear gripped her heart as she waited for her mate to speak up, to deny and refute the accusation, but no matter how long she waited, he never spoke up.

The...