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“Just making sure you haven’t decided to go to Astaly after all.” He smirked as I shook my head.

After meeting their prince and hearing the way he spoke about omegas? There was nothing over the sea for me except more subjugation. I was determined to make it work with my pack. Even after the strange moment with Walden.

My pack.

Thrill shot down my spine. Like it was gold, bronze, something that would last the test of time. Even shrouded with nerves, the glow remained.

Ajax looked beyond us and beckoned a group. Among them was Toni, who aimed a tepid smile in my direction. They were human. It was hard to distinguish with all our scents gone, but their swiveling heads gave them away. As did the way one of them reached for my hand, shaking his head when Walden let out a warning growl. He settled for an awkward wave.

“My apologies, Miss Hartlock. This is my first time in Starhaven, and I must admit, your home is as beautiful as the rumors suggest.”

I didn’t like the condescension in his tone, but smiled politely anyway. He had a weathered face, marked by deep lines, and a crown of receding silver hair. His gaze skittered to Walden.

There was something familiar about him, but I didn’t know what.

“Tully, this is Governor Prestwood,” Ajax added, when the man didn’t seem inclined to introduce himself. The man ducked his head, indulgent and sheepish.

“We have met before, albeit briefly. It was in the aftermath of, well, the unpleasantness of the HLA attacks. Understandably, you were preoccupied. I admired your parents, being from a long line of politicians myself. Your parents cared about what was right. Tonight is as much a celebration of them and I’m sure you’ll follow in their footsteps.”

My mouth went dry at the allusion to my parents' deaths. I’d expected it, of course, but nothing could prepare for an ill-healed, complicated grief. I managed a trembled nod, not sure I could lie well enough to disguise my weakness.

It was unlikely I would do anything of note, like my name demanded.

“We are lucky to be courting Tully,” Walden said.

“So, you might have a new pack addition soon? What is the usual practice for pack titles? It would be such a shame to lose your Hartlock name, Tully.” Toni sipped her bubbles.

Lloyd’s hand found the small of my back. My skin prickled. I hadn’t given any thought to my name.

For all the insecurity it brought me, it was still mine.

“When I joined Baylark Pack, I changed my surname. But Tully may decide differently. The choice is hers,” Lloyd said.

Toni flattened her lips, no doubt annoyed that her question was thwarted by a polite answer.

“Well, congratulations and Walden—I’ll be in touch over the week to discuss future plans. But for now, enjoy your pack.” The Governor’s gaze traveled over me, and I squirmed.

“We hope you enjoy the night.”

Walden tapped his glass against mine as the governor and his team drifted away. I let my shoulders slump an iota.

“How is Pan?” Walden searched, not finding him.

Ajax’s jaw clenched in silence. Pan was nowhere to be seen. My stomach simmered, and I clutched the glass flute too tight.

“He’s coping. But did you know CJ is here?” Ajax spat the name of Pan’s friend.

Walden didn’t let any emotion show, scanning the crowd with a lazy eye. “I’m not surprised. What’s the point of going to Astaly if the high prince they need is right here? His mate’s shipping connections can only get them so far in expanding into Astaly.” Walden’s low rant was cut short as Pan materialized next to him.

An unstable heat churned in his gaze, and his lopsided sneer made me reach out to touch him. He extricated me from Lloyd and nuzzled my neck. There was sweat on his brow. I slipped my hand around his waist, and under his jacket, his skin blistered.

Are you ok?I questioned with my gaze, and he nodded.

“I’m here, as requested, and behaving,” he said as Lloyd clapped his hand on Pan’s back and the mysterious tension bled away. I pointed toward the wall of artefacts.

“Can we look at them?”

“You don’t have to ask, angel.” Pan scoffed, and we slipped through the crowd to the glass-covered items. Each one had a plaque, and Pan traced the first one with an arched brow.