The morning after the feast, the palace was quiet. Most guests were still asleep, and the servants moved carefully through the halls, cleaning up what was left from the long night of celebration.

Liora woke early. Silver was in his cradle beside her, sleeping peacefully. His tiny chest rose and fell with each breath. She brushed a hand over his silver hair and smiled faintly.

There was a knock at the door. “Come in,” she said softly.

Alpha Tame stepped inside. His steps were slow but ...