The ceremonial ribbons binding my wrists felt exactly as I remembered—silk against skin, humiliation wrapped in tradition. I knelt in the mud outside Ironfang Palace, supposedly tribute but actually assassin. Except this time, I knew how that story ended.

I knew these princes were innocent.

I knew Queen Mother Isadora was the true monster.

I knew I would fall in love with the men I came to destroy.

And I knew that knowledge changed everything.

"Rise, omega." Prince Kael's voice carried ...