DARRAGH'S POV
l jerked awake, the leather of my desk chair creaking beneath me. The study swam into focus—embers glowing weakly in the grate, casting long, writhing shadows across the oak-paneled walls. My mouth tasted of stale coffee and something metallic. When had I fallen asleep and why was I in my father's study? The whole scene looked weird. Glossy like. Unreal.
A sharp knock cut through the silence.
"Alpha Darragh." Eamon's voice, measured but tight. The slight quiver in it made my spine straighten. "We found her."
Oh. This was a memory. Moments before my murder. It only seemed to be clearer than usual.
My body moved before my mind caught up, sending papers scattering to the floor. "Let her in."
The hinges groaned as the door swung open.
Riona Maychild glided in, her presenc
