Vance'

w was over, but the audience remained, their eyes now fixed on the new center

th breathtaking speed. Her strategy shifted in a blink. The panic

sorrow. She bowed her head deeply. Then, in a move that stunn

column of her throat. It was a formal gesture of submission, an act of profound apolog

"For the harm my mate has caused you, I offer you my deepest apologies. Whate

ha King, I am willing to bear half of his punishment. I beg you, conside

, positioned herself as a compassionate and noble future Luna, and subt

in the crowd

t. She's a true A

ky to have a

d blood loss, but my mind was coldly, furiou

sed weakly in my mind. *She s

e her. "...Hypocrite," I managed, the

ession didn't change, his stormy eyes remaining fi

he said, his tone polite but distant. "

er friends to help her to her feet, where she cont

ly on me. I could feel my strength ebbing, my breathing

again. It felt cool a

said to Leo, who was now ushe

last thing I saw before the darkness consumed me was Alaric's face, those gray eyes like the heart of a

, no

lling, but stron

lized what had happened. Alaric hadn't waited

to a fever pitch of shock. He was holding a lowly, bloodied Omeg

had slipped. Her eyes were filled with a flash

e with a purpose that dared anyone to get in his way. His m

ey, his scent lingering aroun

d man named Aris Calder. His voice was low,

ing happens to her in my territory, I