KAEL’S POV
Panic spreads faster than fire. That was the first thing I understood as voices rose across the palace courtyard. Even the strongest wolves looked uncertain; they all stared at me, waiting for direction—or maybe some reassurance.
“Everyone stays inside,” I commanded, my voice carrying across the courtyard. “No exceptions.”
I turned to Liam. “Enforce a curfew. Seal the outer gates before sunset.”
“Yes, my king.”
“Anyone found outside the gate after that is detained,” I continued. “No arguments. No mercy.”
He nodded and moved at once.
Only then did I allow myself to move.
Amara.
My chambers were quiet when I entered, the air faintly scented with moonlight and magic. She lay exactly where I had left her—unconscious, but still breathing.
Relief washed through me. I crossed
