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Adrien turned his attention back to the others, watching Sebastian’s face contort in confusion in the wake of Malakai’s question. “Tomorrow morning?”
Malakai’s brow buckled. It didn’t seem to be the reaction he’d been hoping for. “Cassius has been asking the past few weeks about when you’d return, and now that the coronation’s over, he’ll expect you back.”
Adrien’s gut twisted at his father’s mention. Goddess, the hell he would have to deal with once he got home. But at least he’d warned Isla and Kai of the Alpha’s plans. It probably made him a traitor, but whether it was to his father alone or his entire pack, he wasn’t sure.
Sebastian’s features darkened, and his voice took on an uncharacteristic coldness. “Why?”
“Why?” Malakai leaned in, his widened eyes narrowing. “I think that goes without question. You were granted temporary leave for the coronation, but now it’s time to return home.”
Home.
The word trudged through him.
A muscle feathered Sebastian’s cheek. He had always been so great at hiding his emotions, but his discontent flashed like a beacon. “I want to be here for Isla, at least until things have settled. She just became luna, and today may be a day of celebration, and Kai has this pack patrolled to high hell, but those defenses will loosen, and I know there are people who don’t want her here—I’ve gotten into brawls with them. Fate or no.”
“What?” Malakai’s fingers tightened on his fork, his mouth curling as if to saywho,but he reeled back, remaining silent until he calmed. “I’m sure Isla and Kai have prepared for that. She doesn’t need you, and your staying will only do more harm than good.” He lowered his voice. “Word will travel that the three of us are here today. Not just here; it’ll be said throughout the continent. There’s already curiosity about what this union means for the relationship between Deimos and us. What it means for Deimos’s status within the empire; if it puts them above the others.”
“So, what if it does?” Sebastian asked, and Malakai observed him like he’d transformed into a whole new person.
“I think you’ve been here far too long,” he answered through gritted teeth. “This hierarchy that has survived for nearly a millennium depends on a balance in the continent. Ten kingdoms, one as a ruling body to centralize and represent them within the world and equal power amidst the rest who govern how they see fit.”
Thishierarchy has technically only stood five hundred years, Adrien thought but didn’t say. There was no need to bring up that there had once beenelevenpacks in Morai.
“Tension is already escalating. Rogues, rebellion…”
The words hit Adrien like a blow to the head. “What do you meanrebellion?”
Malakai turned to the prince, his features rigid as he said, “Comehome, and I’ll explain.” He straightened when it seemed the crowd around them began to pay attention. “But Cassius wants—needs—to do everything he can to prevent it.”
Sebastian sniffed, opening his mouth to retort when his gaze drifted up behind them. Adrien turned, and his brows lifted in surprise.
Warrior General Eli stood with his shoulders back, his warrior’s uniform nowhere to be seen, replaced by common but elegant clothes suitable for the holiday but didn’t betray his station. Despite his well-kept appearance, the dark circles under his bloodshot eyes and a throbbing vein in his temple told of a wildness beneath.
“Imperial Heir, Imperial Beta.” Eli bowed his head to both Adrien and Malakai. Sebastian also got a slight dip in greeting.
Malakai’s nostrils flared, and despite the cheerful lilt of his voice, a gravely undercurrent underlined it. “General, what can I do for you?”
“I’m happy I ran into you.” Eli gave a tight, almost smug smile like he’d cornered a doe in the woods. But he wasn’t staring down a doe; it was another predator. One that was bigger, stronger. “It’s like you’ve been avoiding me.”
“It’s my daughter’s coronation, General,” Malakai bit out. “Avoiding you would be the least of my concerns.”
“I need to have a word.” That emptiness behind Eli’s stare glimmered. Malakai seemed to trace it as Eli added, “It’s imperative.”
Adrien and Sebastian exchanged glances at the blatant disrespect. Approaching the Imperial Beta without notice anddemandinga conference.
“Very well.”
Adrien felt his features twist in surprise, Sebastian’s mirroring it as the Beta rose with a light command for their accompanying guards to stay put before he left with Eli without much more protest.
What the hell was that about?
Adrien felt frustration roiling his blood. So many unsaid words. So many damn secrets. Not just around here—fucking everywhere. It wouldn’t be long until they built up to the point that one whisper may as well have been a scream that shattered the world.
In answer to his thought, the skies grumbled again, this roll of thunder punctuated by a tickle of the shadow along Adrien’s neck. It settled just above his pulse and beat against it…the way Raana’s heart had once drummed in rhythm with his when she was spread beneath him.
He grimaced at the spear through his chest and resisted the urge to swat the shadow away.
Ta-dum…ta-dum…ta-dum.
