The courtyard was packed.
Word of the failed raid had spread like wildfire. By midday, nearly the entire palace and surrounding territories had gathered to witness the consequences. Warriors from both sides stood in tense formation, but the fight was over. Gaius’s remaining forces had surrendered or fled. The Mad King’s victory was absolute.
Gaius himself knelt in the center of the square, wrists bound in heavy silver chains enchanted to suppress shifting. Blood streaked his face and torso. His once-proud posture was broken — shoulders slumped, eyes burning with hatred and disbelief. Beau lay unconscious beside him, barely alive. The pack that had once feared and followed him now watched in stunned silence.
Maisie stood tall on the raised platform beside Kylen.
No chains. No collar. No
