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

The letter was three lines long. Four years of my life fit inside them. Lucian read the royal inquiry aloud in the council room.

"Female child taken from the eastern royal nursery twenty-three years prior. Possible transfer through Greyfield Orphan House