ARES’ POV

The grand doors of the Crescent Moon castle creaked open with a low, drawn-out groan, announcing the arrival of its Alpha King. It was well past midnight, and the moon hung heavy and low, casting pale blue light across the marbled floors and shadowed hallways. I stepped in, my boots echoing with each purposeful step.

Everyone could feel it. The tension. The storm wrapped around me like a second skin.

Eyes peered from the shadows, maids, guards, a few council members lingering ...