PTE

RIA K

d, his voice laced with incredulit

ng. "But, I must caution you, your mother and th

contemplated the impossible task. "I fear you may be right, Lykon.

ency. "Time is of the essence, my lord. Every passin

weight of his decision. "I will need someone to accompany me

Lykon's expression turne

me, Lykon," Kane s

e protested, "But, my lord, who will

yance. "My mother is more than c

ve argument. "My lord, this mission is a test of your courage

ter a moment of contemplation, he nodded. "Very well. Arrange a brief m

Kane's request, leaving the young Alpha t

EETIN

il the Alpha and the queen!" The elders rose from their seats, bowing their head

ared his throat, beginning his announcement. "I have called this meeting to share a decision of great importanc

s wide with alarm. "Impossible!" she exclaim

no matter the circumstance," one of

e, but a necessity. I must prove my courage and worthiness to rule. Every passin

g the queen's hesitation, spoke up. "Your Majesty, we must consider the Alpha's words. If

gering on Lykon before returning to Kane. "Yo

Mother. I will go alone, a

a tense thirty minutes, one of the elders spoke up. "This is our decision, Alpha. We grant you permission to embar

. "I accept your terms. I hereby appoin

own secret agenda. As Kane and the queen departed the hall, the elders

take," one of the elders whisper

or to serve the kingdom. I assure you, est

, FR

rent words. Her nightmare had reached a boiling point, and she jolted awake, scr

n in search of water. Her mother, Queen Lyra, stood by

grab a bottle of water. The tension between them was

en Lyra said quietly, attem

t la vôtre?" Her voice was laced with in

hy are you just waking up?

at concerns you." She dropped the cup on the

voice rising. "Am I talking to myself,

r's intensity. "I don't know what's wron

a scowl. "I hate you, Freya.

e feeling is mutual, Mother. And

overcome with tears. Memories from twenty years ago flooded her mind, a

A'S

s tears streamed down her face. The pain of her mother

y father's betrayal?" she sobbe

ya vowed, "I refuse to be reminded

de up. She would leave the house, leave

AN S

s water. Despite his frequent visits, he still hadn't grown accustomed to the overpowering s

, the sacred masks of revered ancestors, and the various offerings left by the people. T

arm smile spreading across his face. "Hello, my

pect. "The greatest shaman of the Fangoria kingd

low him. "Why didn't you enter the inner chambe

, Father, I have but a li

of Lykon. "Very well, my son. Tell me, w

serious tone. "Shaman, I have come to express

g at the corners. "You are welcome,

ned somber. "Has Kane

d, "No, but I sense that he will soon. The elders and the q

interest. "What were the c

s been given two months to find the killer.

fidence. "He will never succ

he shrine, a low, rumbling sound. "Ind

ous. "And what of his mate? Wi

stiny cannot be stopped, my son. The

rits. "For now, enjoy the power that comes with the throne. T

rned, his eyes gle

illuminating the tall, lanky figure that stepped into the shadow

aces rough-hewn and obscured by the shadows. The tall figure approached the mass

tial. "I bring news from the Fangoria kingdom. The Alpha is

ing with intent. "And who assumes control in the Alpha's

e tall figure replied, its

ave, causing the shadows to tremble. "You may take

o the darkness. The massive figure's gaze lingered on the spot wher

owled, its voice dripping with venom. "No one – n