The king drank.
For one heartbeat, nothing happened.
Then his hands spasmed.
The goblet clattered to the marble floor, silver liquid staining his robe like blood.
Gasps erupted as the king clutched his chest.
Magic flared around him—then shattered.
His form flickered, wolf essence writhing beneath his skin—then evaporated with a scream.
The air trembled.
And then—silence.
The king collapsed.
Not dead.
But broken.
Cassian took one step forward. “He can't shift."
Thorne roared, “Treason!"
Guards unsheathed blades.
Cassian turned, eyes scanning the crowd. “Find her. Get her out."
Elias pushed forward. “Too late. Smoke bombs—"
With a loud pop, violet haze exploded across the dais.
Rebel shouts echoed from the balconies: “DOWN WITH THE CROWN!"
Crossbows fired.
Irene ducked b
