Seraphina followed Ethan into his chambers, her cane clicking rhythmically and sharply against the marble, footsteps uneven but determined.

“Ethan!”

He didn’t answer.

The doors closed behind them with a heavy finality.

"Ethan! Talk to me!" she shrilled, her voice cracking with indignation. "You were supposed to punish those men. You are the King! If they don't fear the consequences of their failure, they will never truly protect this pack. You’re letting that girl, that outsider, ...