The weight of the crown wasn’t on Ivy’s head — it was in her chest.
Ever since the oath, the magic in her veins no longer pulsed wildly. It had settled, like molten gold beneath her skin. But with control came responsibility, and with power came danger.
Kael hadn’t let go of her hand since the ceremony.
But even his warmth couldn’t stop the chill that seeped into her bones when Magnus returned from the border with news she never expected to hear.
“The Eastern Alphas have declared the North broken,” Magnus said grimly. “They’re sending an envoy. Or so they say. But it’s an excuse to test your strength.”
“An envoy?” Kael asked sharply.
Magnus nodded. “With warriors. Ten. Maybe more.”
“A challenge,” Ember added. “If she can’t hold her position, they’ll take it by force.”
Ivy squared h
