King William’s voice carried through the grand chamber, laced with authority and indignation.
"I admit, my supreme. But we are the lineage of Golden Wolves. We come from a sacred background, and we should never corrupt ourselves with such books." His words were a desperate attempt to shift the focus back to Penelope — to brand her as the anomaly, the danger within their kingdom.
Before anyone could respond, the great doors of the hall groaned open.
A gust of wind followed the figure that stepped inside, his presence cutting through the chamber like a blade. The air itself seemed to still, as if the very walls recognized the power he carried.
Lucian.
William’s gaze darkened instantly. His muscles coiled as if preparing for a fight, his mind racing to place the unfamiliar intruder. He w
