I stagger up to my feet, wipe the water from my eyes, and head out with my heart pounding and my thoughts spiraling.
A human mate.
The very idea feels like treason. Wolves and humans have lived in uneasy peace for generations, old wars buried but not forgotten.
To cross that line could shatter everything.
Or, it could save it all.
Only the unbound will bind the kingdom whole.
I have no choice.
I run through the forest, traveling as fast as these two slow legs will take me.
My thoughts race faster than my body.
A human mate.
My kingdom, my shifters, my wolf… they all depend on ahuman.
I shudder at the thought.
By the time Moonborne Castle comes into view, the decision has already been made.
I hate myself for it.
But I will not let my kingdom fall. I will not betray the wolves who trust me.
I am alpha. I will endure.
I will invoke theVocatio Regia.
For the first time in centuries, it will be done.
Even if it damns me.
Chapter Three
Morwen
When the village bells start clanging, signalling one hour until the end of the weekend fair, my candle table is almost bare.
An empty table means I won’t be hauling crates of unsold candles back up the hill like some poor, miserable pack mule.
I grin as I sneak a peek under the table at all of the money I made.
I smooth my hands over my apron, trying not to look too pleased with myself.
It’s not dignified to gloat at a weekend fair.
But itissatisfying. I started this business from scratch.
Not to brag, but I make the best candles for miles. I don’t even have to haggle or negotiate anymore, which I hate. I just set my price and people pay it. If they try to play hardball and pretend to walk away, they might be greeted by an empty table when they return.
And then it’s hello to dark nights and stubbed toes.
People played those kinds of games with me early in my candle-making career, but not anymore. They know who makes the best candles in this part of the kingdom and they eagerly hand over their money for the highest quality products around.
