The full moon burned above the shrine like an open eye.
No one moved.
No one breathed.
Valdris stood at the edge of the ancient platform surrounded by drifting black smoke, his silver eyes locked entirely on Lyra.
“My Queen.”
The words echoed softly across the cliffs.
Not cruel.
Not violent.
Devastatingly gentle.
Fear rooted Lyra in place.
Because his voice carried centuries of grief.
Kael stepped fully in front of her, his dominance slamming violently through the shrine.
“She is not yours.”
The air crackled instantly.
Valdris finally shifted his gaze toward Kael.
Cold amusement flickered across his pale face.
“The Alpha.”
His voice deepened slightly with disdain.
“The replacement.”
Kael’s claws extended instantly.
“You should’ve stayed buried.”
The Blood King tilted h
