Alpha Asher POV
The Royal Palace was in uproar.
I had barely stepped through the grand doors with Hazel at my side when the storm broke. Servants scattered. Guards stood at attention but kept their eyes down. The news of the canceled wedding and Hazel’s public announcement had spread like wildfire through the entire pack.
My grandmother, Lady Elara Royal, the true Master of the family, waited for us in the central hall. She stood at the head of the long table like a queen on her throne. My father and mother flanked her, their faces carved with barely contained rage.
“Asher,” Grandmother said, her voice sharp as a blade. “Explain yourself.”
I kept Hazel close, my hand firm on her waist. She was trembling slightly, but she held her head high. Her simple white dress stood out against the
