Darius POV
Something wasn’t right. The thought had been sitting at the back of my mind for days now, quiet, persistent, impossible to ignore. I stood by the window in my office, fingers braced against the cold glass as the pack grounds stretched out beneath me. Wolves moved below. Patrols. Routine. Order.
Everything looked normal. It wasn’t.
My jaw tightened slightly.
Behind me, the door clicked open. Soft footsteps followed.
Measured and careful.
Seraphine.
“You didn’t come to the council meeting,” she said gently.
I didn’t turn.
“I had other matters.”
A pause. Then her steps came closer.
“I thought it would be important for you to be there,” she added. “Given everything.”
Everything.
My gaze darkened slightly at the reflection staring back at me.
“I’m aware of what’s happen
