Chapter 132

Nicolas POV

The morning sun slanted through the tall windows of the Royal Pack's council chamber, catching on polished wood and the gleam of armor worn by the warriors assembled there. I sat at the long table, my shoulders squared, though exhaustion tugged at the corners of my eyes. The night had been restless, haunted by the memory of Flora's pale face in the healer's bed, the silence that followed her sobs after the miscarriage.

The doors burst open. A messenger stumbled ...