THORNE POINT OF VIEW

I stood on the palace steps watching Aria prepare to leave. I kept my face calm, arms folded, back straight, every inch the alpha I was supposed to be. But inside, everything twisted the wrong way.

She mounted her horse, sunlight catching her hair. My soldiers were already waiting, men I trusted completely. I had chosen them myself, if she had to travel to Lucien’s lands, then she would be guarded every second.

She tightened her grip on the reins, then finally lifted ...