Kael POV

The hall still stank of blood and bone ash. The sigil burned across my chest, raw and glowing like fresh-forged iron. Every breath scraped against it, as though the oath itself branded me with every inhale.

Ardyn’s body still clung to mine, fire-damp, slick with sex and ritual flame. She sat in my lap, her forehead pressed against mine. My mate. My queen. My curse and salvation.

Around us, the wolves knelt. Some in awe. Some in fear. None dared speak.

But I heard the whispers ...