The news spread through the palace before sunrise.
A Royal Guard had been found unconscious in the eastern corridor.
His armor was dented, his ribs cracked, and bruises covered his chest as if he had been struck by someone with the strength of an Alpha.
The only witness was the injured guard himself.
When he finally regained consciousness, his voice trembled.
“It was… Prince Ronan.”
The words echoed through the palace like a death sentence.
Within hours, the council assembled in the throne room.
The atmosphere was colder than Kaelira had ever felt.
No one spoke until Lucien laid a bloodstained dagger on the council table.
“It was found near the scene.”
Darian frowned.
“Ronan’s dagger.”
Kaelira’s heart sank.
“That proves nothing.”
Another guard stepped forward.
“We also foun
