The old case fit inside one leather folder. Five years of my life did not. Lucian laid the folder on the council table without opening it. "Before anyone speaks," he said, "we separate what was seen, what was assumed, and what was ordered."

Adrian sat at the

"Years?" Adrian said.

The healer did not look at him. He looked at me.

"Years."

He spread three sheets across the council table: blood work, hair analysis, and a narrow strip of parchment filled with dates. "The concentration in your blood now is low bec

King Evander Thorne did not enter Blackthorn like a conqueror. No horns. No Alpha display. No line of soldiers forcing everyone to kneel. He came through the council doors carrying a sealed leather case in both hands. That frightened Adrian more than an army wo