"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

Lucian waited. That was the first thing. He did not move closer because Asteria had said *mate*. He did not reach for my hand. He did not smile like he had been given something. He waited.

"You said I get to decide whether I want to hear it."

"Yes."

"I do."

His