Marcus Blackcoast had canceled every marriage negotiation attached to his name.
Celeste read the report twice.
The first page listed the affected houses. Three belonged to territories powerful enough to strengthen Blackcoast’s northern borders. One had already begun preparing a formal visit.
All had received the same message.
The High Alpha’s circumstances had changed.
No explanation.
None was required.
Celeste folded the report and placed it beneath her hand before Lorrain could read the final paragraph.
“Who witnessed the order?”
“General Vesper.”
Of course.
Marcus had not merely ended the negotiations.
He had done it in front of Evelyn, making his decision impossible to dismiss as rumor or temporary fascination.
Celeste looked toward the silver circlet resting beside her mi
