When Talia had proposed that Luca take the Beta position, she had known—intellectually—that it would change everything.
She had not been prepared for how quickly it would cost her her son.
Two days.
That was all he had needed.
Two days to accept the role, gather what little he required, and leave the castle that had raised him. Sera had promised—solemnly, fiercely—that she would care for her daughter’s mate as if he were her own son. That promise had eased the sting… but it had not erased it.
Now the royal suite was quiet.
Too quiet.
Talia moved through it alone, her steps slow, deliberate. Lucian was occupied with the visiting Alphas—ancient wolves who had lingered after the last summit, each with their own negotiations, alliances, and quiet threats to place before the King. Reign
