-LILIAN-
The morning dawned grey and heavy, mirroring the torment in my soul. I had finally succumbed to an exhausted, fitful sleep, only to be ripped from it by the ominous clamor outside my room. Heavy footsteps, hushed, terrified whispers, and a chilling sense of dread permeated the air. Before I could even process the renewed fear, my door unlatched and two burly guards entered, their faces grim, their eyes avoiding mine.
"The Alpha King demands your presence, omega," one grunted, his voice devoid of emotion. "Immediately."
My stomach churned. I knew. I knew exactly what this meant. This was the public display Alexander had threatened. This was Uriel's final, agonizing act. My heart pounded, a frantic bird against my ribs. I wanted to fight, to refuse, but their grip was firm, unyi
