The Summer Palace rose like a monument of white stone and glass at the far end of the royal estate, its terraces bathed in the pale gold of the early morning sun, fountains murmuring quietly in the gardens while the scent of ancient pines drifted through the cool air.
Caleb parked the car with controlled precision, though the tension inside his chest had not eased even slightly during the entire drive.
If anything, the closer he got to the palace, the worse the pressure in his head became.
His father’s words still echoed relentlessly.
We found the next Messenger.
It should have been good news.
Great news, even.
The kingdom had waited years for the next Messenger to appear. The council had searched tirelessly across packs and territories, watching every sign, every omen, every rumor
