Alaric’s POV
I stood at the window of the guest chambers overlooking the Hollow Fall estate. The moon cast long shadows across the grounds. My wolf stirred restlessly beneath my skin. This inspection was supposed to be routine. Verify tributes. Assess loyalty. Yet from the moment I arrived nothing felt routine. Especially not the bold young woman who had challenged me in the courtyard.
Serena. Her name echoed in my mind. She had fire, real fire. Not the calculated obedience most Alphas surrounded themselves with. Her defiance stirred something I had not felt in years. But I could not afford distractions. Not with the shadows of the past still hunting me.
A soft knock sounded at the door.
"Enter," I commanded.
My advisor Marcus stepped inside. He bowed low. His silver hair gleamed und
