ALARIC POV

The room was empty, silent but for the crackling of fire. I stood before the map, watching the small figurines that represented my dominion. Each one meticulously carved, each piece a symbol of power, loyalty—or betrayal.

A knock echoed through the corridor.

"Enter," I barked.

Theon stepped in, his face pale, his jaw tight. "They’ve taken Nightshade pack. Marcus leads them. The pack didn’t resist."

My fists clenched, the veins on my neck pulsing ...