“Is that really why you’re so concerned?” Astra asks softly. “Or is there something else? Something you’re not telling us?”
I meet Astra’s gaze steadily, weighing my options. The truth will change everything. But if I want to keep Daciana close, if I want to protect her properly, I have no choice.
“I want Daciana to serve as a liaison for my delegation,” I say finally.
Astra stiffens, her expression hardening. “A liaison.”
“Yes. She would coordinate between your court and my people. Handle communications, arrangements…”
“No.” The word is flat, final. Astra stands up from the bench, her hands curling into fists. “I’m not handing over my friend without a proper explanation, Kieran. What aren’t you telling me?”
I rise to face her, keeping my voice calm even as urgency claws at my chest. “Daciana has been attacked multiple times since I arrived in your capital. Each time more dangerous than the last.”
“I know she was injured in the woods…”
“Injured?” The word sounds harsher than I intend. “She was poisoned, Astra. She nearly died in my arms while I tried to heal her.”
Astra’s face pales, but she doesn’t back down. “That still doesn’t explain why you need her as your liaison.”
I step closer, letting the Queen see the wolf in my eyes. “If you value your own life, and the life of your child, you’ll agree to my request.”
“Is that a threat?” The voice comes from behind me, harsh and dangerous.
I turn to find Lucian emerging from between the herb beds, his eyes blazing. He must have been here the entire time, hidden among the greenery. No wonder there were no guards at the garden entrance. Astra’s mate was her protection.
“Not a threat,” I say, holding his stare. “A reality.”
Lucian moves to stand behind Astra, one hand resting protectively on her shoulder, the other moving instinctively to her rounded belly. She’s seven months along now, the swell of her pregnancy clearly visible beneath her simple dress.
I look between them, these two powerful people who rule the Wolf Kingdom, who have no idea what’s coming for them. What’s already here.
“The threats to Daciana will not disappear,” I say quietly. “And when they come for her again, the Queen may be hurt in the process.”
“Why do you believe Daciana is in such danger?” Astra asks, her voice sharp with concern.
I take a breath, preparing to disclose what I’ve kept hidden for so long. “Because Daciana is not the person you think she is. She’s special, even if she doesn’t know it herself.”
“Special how?” Lucian demands.
“I can’t reveal that,” I say firmly. “But I am the only one who can protect her properly.”
Astra’s eyes widen, understanding dawning there. “You came to the castle after years of solitude in your pack in the mountains. You never leave your territory. Ever.” She pauses, her voice dropping. “Did you come here for Daciana?”
“I didn’t know about Daciana when I made the decision to come,” I admit. “I came for you, Your Majesty.”
Lucian bristles, and then his body goes rigid. A low growl rumbles in his chest. His hand tightens possessively over Astra’s swollen belly.
I hold up a finger. “Not like that. I came to make sure you don’t die.”
Astra swallows hard. She doesn’t sway or grab for support; instead, her spine straightens, and her hand moves to cover Lucian’s where it rests on her stomach. “Explain.”
My wolf stirs uneasily. This is it. The moment everything changes.
“There are witches who often seek sanctuary with my pack,” I begin, my voice low and measured. “We’re isolated in the mountains. Private. We offer protection to those who need it, and in return, they share their knowledge with us.”
“Get to the point,” Lucian says, his voice controlled but edged with steel.
“Years ago, when I had just become alpha, a prophecy was revealed.” I look directly at Astra, then deliberately let my gaze drop to her pregnant belly before meeting her eyes again. “A prophecy about a war that would break out when the true queenof the wolves was slaughtered. Murdered along with her unborn child.”
