The moon had risen high above the Pack house, silver light spilling across the sprawling grounds. Inside, the pack buzzed with rumors, the kind that traveled on whispered lips and quickened heartbeats. By the time the night had deepened, every ranked wolf and servant alike had heard the same tale:
The Nightshade Crown Prince had smashed Delta Damon against a wall in front of the Alpha and Luna—for daring to look at his mate.
The tale had grown with each retelling, painting Damon as humiliated, brought low, a dog silenced before his leaders. Some laughed behind their hands, others shook their heads at his recklessness, but all agreed on one thing: Prince Heiko was not to be crossed, and Princess River was untouchable… despite being a former omega in their own pack.
But Damon didn’t hear
