The temperature in the room plummets. Lucian goes very still, his expression shifting from casual interest to sharp focus. “I’m afraid I don’t understand. Daciana was injured, yes, but tortured? What are you talking about? I’ve only heard she washurt in an attack. I’ve been too busy with official duties to find out more.”
My eyes cut to Seth. He stiffens.
“You don’t know?” I ask, my voice quiet but dangerous. “Your Commander has been ruthlessly working a soldier under his command.”
“Ruthlessly?” Lucian looks at Seth, confused.
Seth’s jaw tightens. “Daciana concealed the details of an attack on Alpha Kieran two weeks ago. She was punished. I made her do night rounds.”
Lucian goes still. “You made her do night rounds while she’s one of the Queen’s guards?”
“It’s up to me how to discipline my people,” Seth says.
“Daciana is not your people,” Lucian retorts, his voice sharp. “She is Astra’s people. She may be under your command, but her punishments have to be discussed with the Queen first. How did you expect Daciana to be alert while protecting Astra when she was working all the time?”
Seth is silent for a moment. “Hiding such information could have put our relationship with the delegates at risk—”
“I asked Daciana not to tell anyone,” I cut him off, my words cold and precise. “There are those who wish to eradicate my pack because we are the purest and most ancient form of hybrids. I knew I had enemies. I didn’t want anyone to know I was injured. If one person knew, others surely would.”
I step closer to Seth, letting him see the wolf in my eyes. “It was your punishment that caused Daciana to be injured. How would you answer to me if she were killed?”
Lucian looks at me with unveiled interest. “Why would we be answerable to you if anything were to happen to Daciana?”
I hold his stare, my jaw tight. The silence becomes deafening.
Then, Lucian and Seth exchange a look. Some unspoken understanding passes between them.
“Alpha Kieran,” the King asks quietly, “is Daciana your fated mate?”
My heart stutters. The question hangs in the air, demanding an answer I’m not ready to give.
“That’s a private matter,” I say through gritted teeth. “But if anything happens to her, my pack will no longer help the Wolf Kingdom, come what may.”
I turn toward the door, but Lucian stops me from walking out. “Kieran, wait.”
I pause but don’t look back at him.
“It’s clear that Daciana is important to you,” he says carefully.
“I’ve given my warning,” I say coldly, and then I leave before either of them can say anything else.
Artisem falls into step beside me in the corridor, his expression worried. “Was that wise?” he asks quietly. “You never planned to reveal your connection to her.”
I think of Daciana’s pale face, her trembling hands, the dark circles under her eyes. In the span of a few months, she has been attacked repeatedly, almost dying each time. I’ve nearly lost her over and over again.
“I thought she was safe here,” I say, more to myself than to Artisem. “In the capital. Under royal protection.” My hands shake with suppressed rage. With a fear I can’t quite name. “But is she?” I whisper. “Or am I watching her slowly be destroyed?”
Artisem doesn’t answer. He doesn’t need to.
We both know the truth.
I walk through the dimly lit corridors, my mind racing with everything that just transpired in Lucian’s study. The weight of my secret presses against my chest like a stone.
“Artisem,” I say, keeping my voice low, “arrange for some good food for Daciana. Make sure it’s nourishing. Broths, fresh bread, fruits. Have it delivered to her chambers discreetly.”
He nods, understanding immediately. “Of course. Anything else?”
“Yes. I need Aaron and Ferin. We’re going into the woods.”
