Ardyn POV

The crown spun above the courtyard, ash dripping from its edges like falling embers.

Every wolf gathered below watched it not me, not Kael, not even the sky. Just the crown.

Kael stood at my side, trembling, scar bleeding light through his tunic. I felt him fraying, the bond fraying with him.

The child stirred again. Its voice brushed the pack like wind through bone.

“Take it. Take it. Take it.”

And I saw my wolves lean forward, as though pulled by a leash no hand held.

It ...