Rayna’s POV
The words hung in the air like a challenge carved into stone.
“…what guarantee do we have that this kingdom of yours will not devour us the same way the last one did?”
The young Beta’s voice still echoed against the walls, bitter, defiant. His pack’s Alpha stiffened beside him, but said nothing - a silent endorsement, or perhaps cowardice.
Beside me, Damon’s power flared. I felt it before I saw it - the coil of his wolf straining like a bowstring. His shoulders squared, amber eyes sharpening into molten gold. A storm waiting to break.
Through the bond, his fury brushed me like fire. “He dares-”
I cut across him, quick and steady. “Not yet. If you rise now, they’ll see only threat. Let me.”
His growl rumbled low, barely held in his chest. But his gaze stayed locked on the
