Zaiden’s POV
The next morning came too quickly.
Sleep had been nothing more than a flicker between nightmares. Maybe my mate’s presence all this while had been the only thing keeping them away. I needed to get her back fast.
By dawn, I was already awake, sitting on the edge of my bed, staring at the silver cuffs glinting faintly on the table. Cole’s cuffs. His scent still clung to them like rot.
I didn’t wait for breakfast or anyone. I left my room, moving through the quiet hallways as the pack began to stir. Every step toward the dungeon felt heavier, weighed down by anger and disbelief. My Beta. My best friend. A traitor.
The guards at the dungeon gate straightened when they saw me.
“Alpha,” one of them greeted, bowing quickly.
“Open it,” I ordered.
The heavy door opened, and the
