I cannar


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    I arrivedte in the night, carrying too much weight on my shoulders. This had dragged on far longer than I expected, and I couldn’t pinpoint why we even needed to expand the Kingdom wall and divide it.


    My uncle Dareth had suggested building another wall so some Lycans could live beyond it, but in the end. I refused. I dismissed the project altogether.


    None of my people would live or sleep outside my gates. They would remain within these walls, under my eyes, where I could ensure their safety andfort.


    I dismounted my horse into the cold night and handed the reins to the stable master. Then I walked the hallway. The moment I stepped in, I sensed the shift in the air, in the way my people bowed as I passed.


    Something felt wrong.


    I shrugged it off and entered the dining hall. That was when it lingered. The warmth only she could bring. the feelings only she could awaken in me.


    Slowly, I climbed the stairs. At the hallway, I stopped. Cautiously, I approached my living room door and pushed it open.


    Xyrrha Pacing.


    I froze, surprised she hadn’t left already and worse still, she was wearing one of my shirts. One I had left behind in the bath chamber, since she could never cross the threshold into my bedchamber.


    “Oh, you’re here.” She stopped at once when she saw me, stering on a smile. But I saw through it, and my heart clenched at the raw truth in front of me.


    “Zephyrine was here?” My voice was low, almost to myself. Her silence confirmed it.


    Exhaustion pressed down on me, and I set my jaw. Of course she had seen Xyrrha. Mearez would mock me for being so careless.


    I turned toward the exit, but Xyrrha’s words froze me.


    “She’s the warrior I fought five years ago, Apex: Does she know who you really are?”


    A chill ran down my spine Slowly, I turned, my stare hot enough to burn through her skin.


    “Don’t you dare, Xyrrha


    “You won’t have her. Apex Her voice was steady, dripping with certainty. “She’s an Ashmere. Five years ago, you did something in that war you don’t even know If she dares learn the truth, she will never want you And your identity? Half Lycan and half denon


    I closed in on her before she could finish, gripping her arm harshly. Fury wed inside my chest as I red down into her eyes.


    “Don’t make me lose my patience, Xyrrha My courtship with Zephyrine has nothing to do with wars or


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    identities.” I shoved her away, releasing her roughly. “Leave my tower before I return. I won’t be so merciful next time.”


    I descended the stairs in haste, just in time to see Mearez walking down the hall toward me. She stopped when she saw me, frowning at my state. I paused, breathing heavy, trying to force my emotions back under control.


    “Are you okay?” I asked, seeing her gaze sharpen, and she nodded slowly. Then her eyes softened.


    “I… I wanted to talk to you yesterday, but you seemed upied.” <fnc3fb> Find the newest release on find?novel</fnc3fb>


    I sighed, shaking my head and nodding at once.


    “What is it? What do you want to say?” I asked, steadying myself. My sisters came before me, always. Their safety first.


    But instead of speaking, she shook her head quickly, almost in panic.


    “I… I wanted My brother Hades to be there too.”


    Her words made me frown, but I wasted no time. I turned toward the shadows where Chantel stood.


    “Fetch My brother Hades. Tell him our sister wants words with us.”


    Chantel bowed and disappeared into the dark hall.


    I looked back to Mearez, who had clearly noticed my unease.


    “You’re going somewhere?” she asked, eyes narrowing. Then they flicked toward the stairs. “Don’t tell me Xyrrha is still here.”


    Her words cut deep, and I stayed silent. That was all the confirmation she needed. I bowed my head, leaning against the table as panic wed at me. How was I supposed to face Zephyrine now?


    She must have gotten the wrong impression. Even if she hadn’t, how could I possibly soothe her? She was already raw with burdens, already wounded. I was meant to be her confidant, not another source of agony.


    I swallowed hard and finally spoke to my sister.


    “I’m going to White Pack to meet Zephyrine. Go rest with Serena. I may not return tonight.”


    With that, I left for the stables, mounted my horse, and rode hard into the night. No rest. No peace. Only the weight of her sadness pressing down on me like the heaviest boulder.


    7:29 pm P PPP.