Third POV
The news of Reina collapsing spread through the hall like fire catching on dry grass. Whispers grew louder, servants rushed about, and healers were seen moving quickly down the corridor. Julian froze where he stood, his chest tightening at the sound. His wolf stirred inside him, restless, demanding he move. For a moment, he forgot everything—Ariana, the ceremony, the crown. All he could think of was Reina lying helpless, the girl who once carried his heart no matter how much he tried to deny it.
Julian’s steps were already carrying him toward the door when a hand caught his wrist sharply. Ariana’s nails dug into his skin as she pulled him back, her voice sharp and filled with jealousy.
“Where do you think you’re going?” she snapped, her eyes narrowing. “She’s nothing to you an
