The deadliest enemies smile before they strike.
The palace had barely recovered from the declaration of war when another unexpected guest arrived.
I was in the training yard with Kael, trying—and failing—to knock him off balance with a wooden sword.
He blocked every strike with frustrating ease.
“You keep watching my sword,” he said.
“Because it’s trying to hit me.”
A small smile tugged at his lips.
“No, Aria. It’s distracting you.”
Before I could respond, Rowan hurried toward us with an uneasy expression.
“Your Majesty.”
Kael lowered his sword.
“What happened?”
“A royal carriage has arrived.”
“From which kingdom?”
Rowan hesitated.
“The Blood Moon Pack.”
A strange feeling settled in my stomach.
There was only one person who would come from there without an invitation.
An
