I stopped at the top of the stairs, hesitating to break through the crowd of waiting werewolves who hovered, heads down, emitting rage and fear as they waited outside their king's quarters. Gritting my teeth against opposition, I slipped into the press of bodies and was surprised when they parted for me easily, sliding out of the way with slow nods of acceptance at my presence.

By the time I traveled down the hall and to Danilo's door, I was ...