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“She will never be alone,” I vow to her. “She will always have me.”

Her mother smiles at me, albeit a little sadly. “I hope so. She has a tendency to push people away when she is in pain. Don’t let her push you away.”

“I won’t.”

The tea tastes sweet, far sweeter than I care for, but I don’t mind. Not today.

The sun is higher now,casting strong, clean light across the palace grounds as I make my way back.

The guards at the gates straighten as I approach, and the familiar ache of confinement resurfaces in my chest. Still, I nod at them and push through. I can’t avoid the palace forever. Not when there are duties pressing in from every side.

I barely make it to the main courtyard when the air shimmers—warping, bending—and a portal opens up before me.

Instinctively, I shift my stance, ready to defend if needed. But I catch the familiar scent just as the figures step through.

Cedric, King of the Northern Wolf Kingdom, emerges first, his massive frame rigid, his face carved in a deep scowl that seems permanently etched into his features. His dark hair is cropped short, and his armor is battered and worn, a testament to the countless battles he has fought. His entire presence screams war and discipline.

At his side stands the woman who must be his mate. Leanna, despite the heavy roundness of late pregnancy, carries herself with a fierce grace. Her dark hair is pulled back, and her hand rests protectively over her stomach. A young boy stands beside her, his bright eyes wide with curiosity.

A girl follows behind them, maybe sixteen or seventeen years old, her posture relaxed compared to the others. There’s something ethereal about her, something that raises the hairs on the back of my neck.

A witch.

Cedric’s gaze locks on mine the moment he steps fully through the portal.

“Griffin,” he grunts in greeting, clapping a hand on my shoulder so hard it jolts me back a step. “Good to see you still breathing.”

“Cedric,” I manage with a short nod, my mouth twitching in amusement despite the lingering tension in my muscles.

Leanna steps forward next, her smile warm but impatient. She doesn’t waste time with pleasantries.

“I’m Leanna,” she says, glancing sideways at her mate who hasn’t bothered to introduce her. “Sorry about Cedric. He seems to think everybody should know who I am. It’s nice to finally meet you, Griffin.”

She looks innocent and delicate, but given that she is Cedric’s fated mate, there must be something about her that makes the warrior standing beside her seem so besotted. Even now, he’s watching me carefully, as if he fully expects me to attack his woman.

“Erik missed you. More than he will ever tell you,” Leanna murmurs, her voice gentle but firm. “I’m so glad you’re finally home.”

She looks up, and I see Erik watching from one of the windows. He lifts a hand in greeting, and she cheerfully waves back. But I see something in my brother’s eyes, something that she probably doesn’t notice.

I give Leanna another look, and my heart sinks. It seems she has an admirer in my brother.

Poor Erik.

“It is good to meet the queen of the Northern Wolf Kingdom.”

She beams at me. “Now, where’s Maya?”

I gesture toward the gardens. “She is resting in the cottage—”

She’s already moving, her pace surprisingly fast despite her obvious condition.

“Leanna, slow down!” Cedric calls after her, his voice exasperated but fond as he jogs to catch up.

The child takes off after them, his small legs pumping furiously. “Mom! Healer Pat said you’re not supposed to run!”

I blink after them, a little stunned by the whirlwind they’ve just unleashed on the palace.

When I turn back, the young witch is still standing where she stepped through the portal, watching me with sharp, knowing eyes.