Page 3

Damon dragged me back to the pack house, his grip firm but not punishing.

His silence was worse than his anger, stretching between us like a taut rope. When we finally stepped inside, he released me and leaned against his desk, arms crossed over his chest.

I braced myself for an explosion.

Instead, he exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "You really don’t know how to make my life easy, do you?"

I lifted my chin. "He disrespected me, Damon. He raised his hand against a child. What was I supposed to do? Stand there and let it happen?"

His golden eyes studied me, something unreadable flickering behind them. "I’m not saying he didn’t deserve it. But killing a royal messenger... that puts us in dangerous territory."

I didn’t flinch. "So be it."

His jaw tensed. "Do you have any idea what you’ve done? The King will expect an explanation. And by explanation, I mean he’ll want your head."

I met his gaze, unwavering. "Then I'll give him one."

Damon let out a quiet laugh, but there was no humor in it. "You have an answer for everything, don’t you?" He shook his head. "Nathaniel just mind-linked me. The royal guards are waiting. You need to go."

My stomach twisted, but I forced myself to remain composed. "Fine."

He hesitated for a fraction of a second before reaching out, his fingers brushing my wrist. "Be careful, Cassie."

I nodded once. Then I turned and walked out, not daring to look back.

---

The journey to the palace was silent, the carriage rattling softly as the road stretched before us. Two guards flanked me—one of whom, Ian, was practically seething.

"You’re disgustingly calm for someone on their way to meet their executioner," he muttered.

I turned to him, unfazed. "And you’re disgustingly tense for someone who enjoys seeing people dragged before the King. Relax, Ian. Stress causes wrinkles."

His hands twitched, but the other guard smothered a chuckle. Ian shot him a glare before gritting his teeth and turning back toward the window.

I let my head rest against the cool glass, my mind wandering to what awaited me.

The King.

A man wrapped in rumors and half-truths. Some called him a beast—merciless, unyielding. Others whispered that he had never once smiled, never once entertained the notion of softness. He ruled with absolute control, his presence enough to silence an entire room.

Damon had met him once. He had spoken very little about the encounter, only telling me one thing: "He doesn’t tolerate defiance."

Well, that made two of us.

The carriage slowed to a stop, and before I could fully prepare myself, the door swung open. A hand yanked me forward, metal cuffs snapping around my wrists. My feet barely touched the ground before I was forced to move, my captors steering me through the grand halls of the palace.

The weight of the place pressed down on me—ornate walls stretching high above, torches casting flickering shadows that danced across marble floors.

My breathing remained steady, but my heart pounded a quiet rhythm against my ribs.

Finally, we stopped before two massive doors. The guards didn’t speak, but the air shifted, thick with unspoken warnings.

Then—

"Enter."

The voice was deep, commanding. It sent a shiver down my spine.

The doors swung open. I stepped forward.

And met the eyes of the King.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! What do you think of the King so far? And Cassie—reckless or brilliant?

Drop a comment and let me know! Also, a huge thank you to everyone who has been reading and supporting this story. Especially @AvaLangley40 for being the first voter on my story.

You guys make writing so much more fun!