SIX MONTHS LATERThe sun felt warm on my shoulders as I walked through the main courtyard of the Citadel. Six months ago, this place was a shell of scorched stone and bad memories. Now, I could barely see the grey rock for all the colors.

I had insisted on planting jasmine and climbing roses everywhere. If we were going to rebuild, I wanted it to smell like life, not smoke.

"Careful, Your Majesty!" a young voice chirped.

I stepped back just in time as a group of children—three Lycan boys and ...