“I was wondering if you’d given additional consideration to the proposal we discussed. Regarding Seraya.”
The words hit Korran like cold water, washing away the hope and anticipation that had been building.
“I still need more time to consider it,” he said carefully. “Particularly with this new development now regarding my father’s treatment.”
Silence stretched across the connection, loaded with unspoken tension. When Malvek spoke again, his tone carried a sharp edge.
“What new development?”
“My mother hired Gerri Wilder to find someone who might be able to determine what’s causing my father’s illness. A specialist is arriving tomorrow to conduct an investigation.”
More silence, but this time Korran could practically hear the gears turning in the councilor’s mind. Political calculations, risk assessments, the constant maneuvering that had made Malvek the most powerful non-royal in Northern Dominion.
“I see,” Malvek said, the words coming out carefully neutral.
Korran leaned against his desk. “So, I’ll need to focus on ensuring this investigation proceeds smoothly rather than attending to personal matters.”
“Of course.” But Malvek’s agreement sounded forced, as if the words tasted bitter. “Though I hope you won’t let this delay important decisions indefinitely. Stability requires action, not endless deliberation.”
The veiled criticism hit its mark, as Malvek undoubtedly intended. Korran’s bear stirred with territorial aggression, responding to the challenge.
“I understand the importance of stability, Councilor. That’s precisely why I need to ensure my father receives the best possible care before making any life-altering commitments.”
“Naturally. Please do keep me informed of any developments with this... investigation.”
“I’ll provide updates as appropriate. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have arrangements to make for our guest.”
“Of course. Have a good evening, Prince Korran.”
The connection ended with a soft chime, leaving Korran staring at the communicator with a frown. Something about Malvek’s reaction felt wrong. But Korran pushed the feeling away before it could take shape. Malvek had devoted decades to serving the clan and had been instrumental in maintaining stability during his father’s decline. Whatever his personal feelings were about the succession timeline, he wouldn’t actively oppose medical treatment for the king.
Korran shook his head, dismissing the paranoid speculation. He had more immediate concerns than parsing Malvek’s political motivations. Their guest would arrive tomorrow, and everything needed to be perfect.
He strode from the office with renewed purpose, his massive frame moving through the corridors with predatory grace. The stone walls echoed with the sound of his boots against the polished floors, a steady rhythm that matched the sudden urgency driving him forward.
I need to find Gabrielle.
The personal attendant would ensure their guest’s accommodations met royal standards. If anyone could transform the eastern guest suite into a welcoming sanctuary overnight, it was Gabrielle.
His bear’s restlessness spiked with each step, primitive anticipation building toward something he couldn’t name or understand. Tomorrow would bring answers—about his father’s condition, about the mysterious human scientist, about the future that had seemed fixed just hours ago.
Change is coming.
The thought should have been unsettling, but instead it filled him with an energy he hadn’t felt in years.
THREE
TESS
The electronic buzz of her apartment’s intercom sliced through the morning silence like a scalpel through tissue. But Tess didn’t need to hear the voice to know who stood in her lobby.
Gerri Wilder. Right on time.
The familiar cocktail of nerves and excitement coursed through her veins, a sensation she hadn’t experienced since defending her dissertation six years ago. Back when the world had felt full of possibilities instead of responsibilities. Back when her mother’s laugh still filled their tiny apartment and the word “cancer” existed only in textbooks.
Simpler days,she thought, though nothing about her life had ever been truly simple.
Working since sixteen. Clawing her way through graduate school on scholarships and sheer determination. The spectacular implosion when she’d let Professor Marty Jacobs convince her that love could coexist with ambition—a mistake that had nearly derailed everything she’d worked for.
