TRISTAN

“You should look happier,” my father murmured without looking at me. “Tonight is history in the making.”

Nobles, warriors, students gathered beneath the towering stage where the Alpha King stood like he owned the world.

I stood just behind my father, arms folded, eyes scanning the crowd.

“Feels more like a performance,” I muttered.

“You understand more than you think, Tristan.” His lips twitched. “That's why I chose you.”

Before ...