“Gamma Meret,” the King’s voice echoed across the training ground, firm and commanding. The warriors immediately stilled. The low growls of the restrained rogues faded into the background, replaced by a heavy silence that carried authority.

Meret turned slowly toward him. Her anger was still evident, hot beneath her skin. She saw Kael standing at a distance from the King, close enough to be part of the circle but not beside him. The King’s Beta and a few guards stood nearby, leaving a ...