Kael returned to Mooncrest alone.
The pack was furious.
“You rejected her!”
“You let her disappear!”
“Why should we follow you?”
Kael stood before them.
He didn’t defend himself.
“I made a mistake.”
Someone shouted.
“Then fix it!”
Kael looked at the empty throne beside him.
“My mate has been taken.”
A murmur passed through the room.
“I rejected her three years ago because I believed it would protect her.”
His voice shook.
“I was wrong.”
The room became silent.
“I loved her then.”
He looked toward the doors.
“I love her now.”
Ronan stared at him.
Kael had finally admitted it publicly.
A messenger rushed inside.
“Your Majesty!”
Kael turned.
“The Shadowfang Alpha is missing.”
Kael’s face hardened.
“Ryder?”
“Yes.”
“Elara?”
“We don’t know.”
Kael’s wolf roared.
Find her.
He turned to the army.
“Prepare.”
At the same time, Seraphina stood beneath the Moon Council’s banner.
A hooded figure approached.
“Is the Alpha King coming?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
Seraphina smiled.
“He will lead us directly to her.”
The hooded figure removed his mask.
“Then the final stage begins.”
Seraphina looked toward the mountains.
“The Lunar Queen will kneel.”