the throne loomed before aria like a living thing. its jagged edges caught the blue firelight, reflecting cold glints that looked like stars trapped in stone. the air here was different—thicker, humming with power that made the hair on her arms rise.
she took an involuntary step back.
“what is this place?” she asked, though part of her already knew.
the man—tall, dark, and unnervingly calm—walked past her, running his hand along the armrest of the throne. “this is the hall of the shadow crown. the seat of the first rulers. and you…” he turned, his eyes gleaming. “…are their last descendant.”
aria shook her head. “that’s impossible. i was born in the pack. my parents—”
“were not your parents,” he cut in smoothly. “at least, not by blood. the alpha who raised you was sworn to protect yo
