Lucian’s POV
I burst through the palace gates with the unconscious girl cradled against my chest. The full moon still hung high, bathing everything in cold silver light. My bare feet slapped against the stone courtyard. Blood from the rogues still coated my skin and matted my hair.
The two guards at the entrance froze mid-step. Their spears clattered to the ground.
“My King?” one stammered, eyes wide.
His face held the questions his mouth didn't dare to ask. “On a full moon night… you are… human?” I imagined he wanted to ask.
The second guard took one look at the broken chains still dangling from my wrists and backed away until he hit the wall. “The beast… it should have taken you by now. How—”
“Silence,” I growled. My voice still carried the beast’s rasp. “Send for the royal physi
