The gates of Iron Howl groaned, echoing like ribs about to snap. The guards dragged them open, not with pride, but with fear.

An envoy stepped inside. Cloaked in bone-white, mask carved like a hollowed wolf skull, staff tipped with ash.

When he pulled the mask away, the court gasped.

It was Rhelan, once Kael’s trusted beta commander thought dead in the Hollowbone purge.

He bowed low, mockery dripping from the gesture.

“My Queen. My Alpha. I come bearing truth.”

Kael stirred weakly on ...