Fog wrapped the marshlands —quiet, heavy, airtight. Every sound was a secret.
Lucian led, never looking back. He hadn’t looked at Talia properly since last night—since her confession about Roland’s letter. The emptiness echoed like an endless pit. Talia realized she was mourning another loss. Maybe not as dramatic as with Thomas, but the sense of loss was the same.
You betrayed him. Kaela fumed. Not the crown. Him.
OK, enough from you, Kaela. You are MY wolf.
“I didn’t,” Talia whispered aloud. The fog swallowed her words. “I hesitated.”
Kaela retreated into her mind. Your ass better show up when I need you, Kaela.
Talia said dryly. Bite someone else instead.
Casius and Alina just behind, her footsteps exactly mirrored his, a sign of a bond. Alina's palms relaxed the way Amalia had
