Maryelle’s POV
The smoky haze still clings to the palace walls as Phantom rallies his guards. His voice is sharp, commanding, cutting through the chaos.
“We move now. Track the smoke. Follow the trail. He won’t get far.”
The captain bows, his face streaked with soot. “Yes, my lord. Scouts are already moving. The rogues left a path—burned torches, shattered doors. They want us to follow.”
Phantom’s jaw hardens. “Then we’ll give them what they want. But on our terms.”
“This is insane,” Bailey snaps, her voice raw with fury. “We’re a kingdom of peace. Werecoyotes haven’t been involved in war since the sixteen hundreds. Please, Phantom, put a stop to this madness.”
“How? War is all Canum understands. It’s what he respects.”
“This isn’t about Canum, and you know it. It’s about her,
