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He grunted, uncomfortable with the teasing. “There are more important matters?—”

“Oh, I’d say this is quite important,” Lothar interrupted. “You’re different. Steadier.”

Ahead of them, Lyric walked with Kari and Jana, already deep in conversation. Something in his chest loosened at the sight of her fitting so easily into his world.

Wulf sent for food, but as soon as they gathered in his private part, Wulf pulled him aside. Unlike Lothar’s playful ribbing, Wulf’s assessment was more serious.

“You’ve changed,” Wulf said quietly. “There’s a peace in you I’ve never seen before.”

He shifted his weight, unsure how to respond.

“She sees me,” he finally admitted. “Not the scars, not the Beast. Just me.”

His brother nodded, understanding in his eyes. “And you trust her.”

It wasn’t a question, but he answered anyway. “With everything.”

“Good.” Wulf squeezed his shoulder. “You deserve this, brother.”

Later, as they gathered around the hearth, he caught Lothar watching him with an unusually soft expression. When their eyes met, Lothar raised his cup in a silent toast.

“What?” he asked defensively.

“Nothing.” Lothar shrugged. “I just never thought I’d see the day when fierce Egon would look at someone the way you look at her. Like she hung the moon and stars.”

He wanted to deny it, but couldn’t. Instead, he glanced across the room to where Lyric sat, her face animated as she spoke with Jana. As if sensing his gaze, she looked up, her eyes finding his. The smile she gave him was small, private, meant only for him.

After their meal, he met with his brothers in what had been Wulf’s private office, although his mate’s presence now filled the room. The small chamber felt suffocating despite its size, the weight of what he needed to share pressing down on him. He paced the worn floorboards while Wulf and Lothar watched, their expressions growing more concerned with each passing moment.

“Something happened out there,” Wulf said, breaking the silence. “Something beyond finding your mate.”

He nodded, stopping his restless movement. “Khorrek found us at the wise woman’s dwelling.”

Lothar growled. “Khorrek? The one who tried to steal Jana? The one who leads Lasseran’s personal guard?”

“The same.” His jaw tightened at the memory. “He recognized me from the fight pits. We fought, but something… changed during our battle. He started talking.”

He ran a hand over his face, the exhaustion of the past days catching up to him. “Lasseran isn’t just creating Beast warriors—he’s building an army. And not just any army. He’s perfected a way to control them completely, strip away everything except a mindless Beast.”

“How?” Wulf’s voice was hard, his leader’s instincts taking over.

“A ritual. Blood magic.” His stomach churned at the memory of Khorrek’s words. “He takes their will, binds them to him. They become weapons, nothing more.”

Lothar cursed under his breath. “And the attack on the lord’s estate?”

“A test.” His fists clenched at his sides. “Khorrek said Lasseran planned to see how they performed against armed men. It was a slaughter. And perhaps a warning,” he added. “To make sure that those who give him their allegiance don’t ever change their mind.”

“Why would Khorrek tell you this?” Wulf asked skeptically.

“I think he’s beginning to question Lasseran’s methods.” He remembered the conflict in Khorrek’s eyes. “He was raised to be loyal, but even he has limits.”

“Can we trust his information?” Lothar leaned forward, elbows on his knees.

“I believe we can.” He met his brothers’ gazes. “And there’s more. For some reason Lasseran is determined to stop Jessamin and Ulric’s union.”

“He’s a little late for that,” Lothar snorted, but Wulf shook his head.

“Their marriage was not be consummated until all of the brides that accompanied Jessamin have found mates. Do you think Ulric is in immediate danger?”