"Extreme caution is what's kept us from our goal all these years," I mutter. "We proceed at full speed. I want to reach that castle before nightfall."
Zara
I'm pleasantly holding my mates after the ceremony, all four of us tangled together in the massive bed that served as the site of our public claiming. The afternoon has faded into evening, golden light streaming through the courtyard giving way to the softer glow of torches and moonlight. Kaia is curled against my chest, completely spent and satisfied, her breathing deep and even in sleep. Alessia lies on her other side with Solace pressed against her back, both of them drowsy and content.
This is perfection. This is everything I've waited centuries for. My Omega safely claimed and marked, my wife satisfied, and our Beta finally accepting her place among us. The bond thrums between all four of us, strong and stable, exactly as it should be. I can feel their emotions through the connection, sense theircontentment and love and the deep satisfaction that comes from completing something sacred.
The crowd dispersed hours ago, giving us privacy while still celebrating in the castle and throughout the city. I can hear distant music and laughter, the sounds of Embrath rejoicing at the fulfillment of the prophecy. Tomorrow we'll join them properly, attend the feast that's being prepared, accept congratulations and well-wishes from nobles and common folk alike.
But for now, we're cocooned in our own little world, wrapped in silk and each other, existing in that perfect bubble where nothing else matters.
Then the alarms sound.
The sharp blare cuts through the peaceful evening like a knife, jolting me from my drowsy contentment. It's the warning system we have in place for threats approaching the castle, enchanted bells that only ring when something dangerous crosses into Embrath's inner territory. We haven't needed to use them in months, not since the last foolish warrior attempted to breach our defenses and was sent running back to whatever kingdom spawned him.
I sit up immediately, carefully extracting myself from Kaia's embrace. "Stay here," I order, looking at both Alessia and Kaia. "Don't leave this courtyard until I come back for you."
"What's happening?" Kaia asks sleepily, confusion replacing the peaceful expression she wore moments ago.
"Probably another warrior thinking he can succeed where hundreds have failed," I say, trying to keep my voice calm even as dread pools in my stomach. The alarms wouldn't sound for a single warrior. This is something bigger. "Just stay put. I'll handle it."
Solace is already on her feet, her warrior instincts overriding everything else. "I'm coming with you."
"No—" I start to protest, but the look in her eyes stops me. She's not asking permission. She's telling me she's coming, and nothing I say will change that.
"Fine," I concede. "But you follow my lead. Understood?"
She nods sharply, all business now. The loving mate from moments ago has been replaced by the fierce warrior, and I'm reminded why the magic chose her. She's not just Kaia's protector. She's a force to be reckoned with in her own right.
We dress quickly, pulling on proper clothing rather than the ceremonial gowns from earlier. I choose practical pants and a fitted tunic that allows for easy movement, nothing that will hinder me if I need to shift. Solace does the same, her hands moving with practiced efficiency as she straps weapons to her body. Knives at her thighs, a sword at her hip, smaller blades tucked into her boots.
"Be careful," Alessia calls as we head for the door. Her hand is on Kaia's shoulder, keeping our Omega close. "And come back to us."
"Always," I promise.
Solace and I run through the castle corridors, our footsteps echoing on the marble floors. Guards are already mobilizing, moving with disciplined efficiency toward their posts. They know the drill, have practiced this scenario countless times. But I can see the confusion on their faces, the uncertainty. It's been so long since we've had a real threat that some of them probably thought it would never happen again.
We reach the main gates and I stop, my breath catching in my throat at what I see beyond them.
An army. Not a single warrior or even a small band, but an actual army of wolves and riders on horses. There have to be at least a hundred of them, maybe more, stretching back through the valley in organized ranks. They're armed and armored, clearly prepared for battle. Banners flutter above them bearingsymbols I don't recognize, though the formation and discipline speaks of military training.
My heart sinks into my stomach. I knew this would happen eventually. I knew that claiming Kaia, that taking the daughter of Valoria's king, would bring consequences. But I'd hoped for more time. Time to solidify our bond, to prepare proper defenses, to perhaps find a diplomatic solution before it came to this.
"Open the gates," I order the guards stationed there. "But keep weapons ready. No one attacks unless I give the order."
The massive gates swing open slowly, and Solace and I walk through with several guards flanking us. We stay in human form, projecting calm authority rather than aggression. I want them to see us as people first, as rulers willing to negotiate rather than monsters ready to fight.
The army has stopped at the edge of our territory, maintaining formation. At their head sits a man on a black horse, his posture rigid with barely contained fury. Even from this distance, I can see the resemblance to Kaia in the shape of his face, the set of his jaw. This is King Frederik, the man who stole Isolde and sent countless warriors to their deaths.
We approach slowly, Solace and I walking side by side with our guards maintaining a respectful distance behind us. I'm acutely aware of how vulnerable we are like this, exposed and outnumbered. But showing fear now would be worse than the risk.
When we're close enough that he doesn't need to shout, King Frederik's voice rings out across the valley. "You!" He points directly at Solace, his finger shaking with rage. "You have killed my daughter! How dare you come back here when you murdered the princess? How dare you show your face after such treachery?"
Solace stops walking, confusion clear on her face. "What? I didn't kill anyone. Kaia is very much alive."
"Lies!" Frederik roars. "Your driver brought back her bloodied clothes, told us you killed her because you couldn't have her. You're a murderer and a traitor, and you will hang for your crimes!"
Understanding dawns on me. Someone betrayed them, fed false information to the king to cover up Kaia's departure. Clever, actually. It would explain why no one came looking for her immediately, why there was no pursuit through the Shadowlands.
