Colt’s POV

I stand on the periphery, watching, waiting. I try my best not to stare, but it’s impossible. Every fiber of my being is wound tight with worry. I am the one who dragged her into this; it’s my fault she’s caught in Warrick’s claws.

I will get you out, Cass.

I promise you that, even if I have to die trying.

"Hey there, handsome stranger," Julia purrs, sliding up beside me and pressing a kiss to my cheek. It happens too fast for me to recoil.

"Have I given you mixed signals, Julia?" I ask, my tone blunt.

"No, I know, I know. But you also know I don't give up easily. I care about you."

Obsession,

not care. She’s a decent girl, and she helped me navigate life in the main house, but I never encouraged this, and I won't entertain it now.

"Please, stop. Your father doesn't like me, and if he finds out you have a... crush on me—"

"A crush?" She laughs, a high, tinkling sound. "Sure, let's call it a crush. You’re adorable when you’re defensive."

I finally turn to give her a hard, steady look. She’s wearing a red dress that leaves little to the imagination, her hair and makeup styled for maximum impact. The look is meant to be intimidating, but she just twirls, beaming. "Do you like my dress? Daddy bought it for me."

She’s a spoiled child. Being the youngest and only daughter of six brothers has clearly warped her sense of reality. I look away, searching the crowd for my Angel. I spot her with Warrick and quickly avert my gaze to avoid suspicion. She looks beautiful, effortless, and utterly terrified. The sight of her fear makes my blood boil. I wanted to be her shield, her Luna, the man who made her feel safe—not the one watching her walk into a lion's den.

Julia wraps her arms around mine. "Don't." I pull away sharply. "We aren't doing anything wrong," she complains.

I look over her shoulder and see her father, Rodrick, staring at us. He is one of Warrick’s oldest generals, a man of brutal Alpha blood who survived the dark ages of this pack. He’s menacing even at rest.

"Why is everyone so obsessed with her?" Julia asks, nodding toward Cass.

"Didn't you hear?" Beck walks up to us, his voice mocking. "The 'Princess' is going to be the next Alpha."

"Yeah, right," Julia scoffs. "A female Alpha? As if."

Beck ignores her, his cold gaze locking onto me. "You’re the one who found her. Question is, were you really trying to escape, or did you

want

to be caught?"

"I'm here, aren't I?" I snap. "And Alpha Warrick believes my story. That’s all that matters."

"He might not see it, but I see straight through your deception."

"Are you saying you're smarter than the Alpha?" I turn to Julia. "You heard him, right?"

She nods quickly. "Yes. I’m sure my father wouldn't appreciate you questioning the Alpha’s judgment, Beck."

Beck scowls. "You should be careful who you spend your time with, little Julia. Your father doesn't approve of this man." He turns and stalks off.

"I got you," Julia whispers, smiling.

"Julia, stop. I’m not repeating myself."

Skye interrupts, her voice sharp. "You really need to listen to him. He isn't joking."

Julia whirls on her, pure venom in her eyes. "What do you want?"

"A word with my ex-mate."

"You have no right to speak to him after what you did," Julia spits.

"Oh, hush, little girl. Go play with your dolls and leave the adults to talk." Skye’s tone is patronizing, and Julia, for all her spoiled arrogance, has no defense against a bride of the Alpha. She retreats, seething.

Skye turns to me. "What have you done? That is Casseopea from our pack, isn't she?"

"Yes."

"She will reveal who we are. She’ll get us killed."

"No, she won't. She knows the stakes. She’ll stay silent."

"You know her

so

well?"

"I do." I keep my voice steady, though Skye stares at me, trying to solve the puzzle of my loyalty. "Walk away, Skye. It’s suspicious enough that you’re talking to me after years of silence."

She hesitates, then turns and leaves. Within seconds, Julia is back at my side. "That witch..." she mutters.

I ignore her. Warrick has led Cass to the stage.

"Everyone acts like she’s the last bottle of water in a desert," Julia grumbles. "What is so special about her?"

I don't answer. I’m watching Cass.

"Gather around," Warrick booms. "After years of searching, we have found her. My daughter, Casseopea. Refer to her as Princess or Alpha, for she is my successor."

The crowd gasps. A female Alpha is unheard of, a total subversion of our history. Warrick continues, his voice ringing with pride, "She is my eldest, and she has inherited my powers. She will be an extension of my will."

That,

I think with a sinking heart, is exactly what I feared.

Cass’s POV

I stand on the stage, the weight of a thousand stares pressing down on me. I see the mix of shock, resentment, and fear on their faces—especially when Warrick mentions my "gift." I hate being the center of this storm.

My nerves settle only when my eyes find Colt in the crowd. Julia is hovering near him, clingy and suffocating, but he doesn't seem to notice. I force myself to breathe.

As soon as the announcement ends, I slip away behind the stage, seeking refuge among the trees. Serge follows, standing a respectful distance away. I don't feel like talking, and his silence is a mercy.

I stare up at the stars, wondering if Lauren and James are safe. I wonder if Lauren’s belly is starting to show. I miss them with an ache that hollows me out.

"About to give up already?"

I turn to find Garret standing in the shadows.