Ranio's POV
The ride back to the palace was agonizingly slow. Every passing moment felt like a heavy stone pressing down on my chest. The cave, the torn cloth, and Nortman’s cryptic words replayed over and over in my head, taunting me with more questions than answers. My instincts screamed that something was still wrong, but I had no proof, only my gut and the gnawing unease that wouldn’t let me rest.
As soon as the palace came into view, I pushed my horse to move faster, desperate to get inside, to be alone and think. As we rode through the gates, I barely noticed the pack members milling around, their curious gazes following us. I didn’t care what they thought. Not today.
The moment I dismounted, I was greeted by Lily, her face lit up with concern.
“Ranio,” she said softly, reaching
