Lean’s POV
The King’s roar hit like thunder.
Drevan’s was wilder, sharper—tempered rage honed over years of envy and ambition. I felt the ground tremble beneath my claws. Kael stood beside me, his wolf bleeding but firm, golden eyes locked on the King.
We knew we were going to die.
But not without leaving our mark.
The sentinels spread out around us like a trained pack, ready to pounce. Tara and Nicole screamed our names, helpless, held back by soldiers. The entire hall had become a battlefield contained in stone.
And then it happened.
The air changed.
A chill knifed down my spine—an invisible blade.
Everyone felt it.
A black wind rose between the columns.
I didn’t see it at first. I felt it.
My head snapped toward the throne.
Toward her.
And for a moment, I didn’t know if I
