Diplomatic tension had reached a breaking point.
The Mad King’s delegation returned without warning three days after Beau’s interrupted assault. They arrived at the pack borders with fifty elite warriors in black and silver, demanding an immediate audience. The official reason was “border incidents” — rogue sightings, disputed hunting grounds, minor skirmishes that everyone knew were excuses. The real reason hung unspoken in the air: the girl.
Gaius was furious.
He paced his chambers like a caged animal while servants prepared the meeting hall. “He thinks he can come into my territory and make demands?” he snarled, yanking Maisie’s leash hard enough to make her stumble. “I’ll show him exactly who owns what.”
He had decided to bring her.
It was a power move, pure and vicious. He dresse
