The private training ground behind the east wing was empty at dawn. Exactly as planned.

I stood in the center of the packed dirt circle, breathing in the cold morning air. My wolf stirred beneath my skin, restless after days of forced politeness and council surveillance. She wanted out. Wanted to run, to fight, to prove we were more than political pawns.

"Ready?" Darius circled me slowly, already half-shifted. His eyes glowed gold in the pre-dawn light.

"As I'll ever be."

"Remember what we ...