The words had barely left Damon’s mouth—
There will be no marking ceremony—
when everything snapped.
Before anyone could react, Talon moved. Fast. Too fast. One second Damon was standing— the next, his back slammed against the wall. A crack echoed through the room. Talon’s claws were already at Damon’s throat, digging just enough to break skin—just enough to warn.
“What did you say?”
His voice wasn’t loud. But it was deadly. Every ounce of the respect he had begun to offer Damon— gone. Vanished.
“My king—!” Conall stepped forward instinctively, ready to pull Damon away—
“Do. Not. Move.”
Talon’s command hit like a force. Invisible. Crushing. The room froze. Literally. Conall stopped mid-step, his body locking in place.
His muscles tensed—but refused to obey him. His wolf, Fang, sur
