The morning sun rose pale and tentative over the Nightfall and Moonstone territories, as if unsure whether peace still had a place in this fractured world. Aria awoke in her private chamber at Nightfall stronghold, the Alpha seal on her wrist warm like a whisper of promise. It was their coronation dawn—yet instead of triumph, her heart thudded with uncertainty.

Beside her, Caleb stirred. His breathing was slow, regular—his eyes flickered open. “You’re awake,” he whispered, voice ...