For three years, Aurora hid her true identity as a royal Alpha heir, enduring cold neglect, cheap apartments, and public humiliation to give her husband, Julian, the quiet life he promised. But on their third anniversary, after overhearing him mock her as a pathetic burden to impress a high-born noblewoman, Aurora snaps. She leaves her wedding ring on his tablet, drinks the elixir that unbinds her royal aura, and vanishes back to her empire. To secure her realm's borders, Aurora enters a strict contract marriage with Alpha Cassian Sterling, the feared, battle-scarred war commander of the Iron Keep. Expecting a cold business transaction, Aurora is shocked when Cassian treats her as an absolute equal, trusting her and fiercely defending her honor. But when Julian uncovers the terrifying truth that the royal queen sitting on the high throne is the humble wife he discarded his regret drives him to desperate lengths to reclaim her . 2510313632