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    Third Person’s POV


    Outside the infirmary, Duke stood stiffly, as though he’d just chewed a mouthful of bitter herbs. The lines of his face were practically twisted in knots.


    Just moments ago, he’d received a call from ric of the Ebonw Pack.


    How the man had even gotten his number was beyond him, but the obsequious tone that rang through the receiver still echoed in his ears. It left a sour taste in his mouth.


    Thest time the Ebonw Pack tried to forge an alliance at a gathering–pushing their daughter into a mating arrangement with Lucien Duskgrave–it had already made Duke want to retch. Now, they had the gall to send women to “apany” his Alpha to dinner?


    Desperation wasn’t even a strong enough word. It was insanity.


    Duke muttered under his breath, “They tortured their own daughter until she was half–dead, and now they want to curry favor? What a charming bunch.”


    He nced through the hospital window.


    Inside, Riley sat quietly at a small table, spoon in hand, sipping soup like a ghost had finally allowed her peace. Across the room, Lucien lounged by the window, sunlight casting a halo around his tall, sharp frame as he read.


    The scene was… surprisingly serene.


    Though Riley had fallen from grace, it was clear she was different from the rest of the Ebonw Pack. A single flower blooming from rotting soil. A rare one.


    Duke felt a pang of sympathy. It wasn’t often the Stormridge Alpha Prince took a genuine interest in anyone -especially not someone with Riley’s history. That alone said enough.


    Meanwhile, across town in first Mooncrest Healers Hall, ric Vale was fuming.


    He hurled hismunicator onto the bed, the device bouncing once beforending with a muted thud.


    His face was so dark it could smother a fire.


    “Father?” came a sweet, calcted voice.


    Scarlett Vale, draped in cream silk, approached the bedside with practiced delicacy.


    “Did Prince Lucien reject the offer again?” she asked with a tilt of her head.


    ric clenched his fists.


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    “That arrogant bastard refuses everything. First, he declined the mating proposal with that useless girl Riley. Then, even after I invited him to a private feast–with handpickedpanions, no less–he still turned me down.”


    His chest rose and fell in furious waves.


    Scarlett frowned. “But I heard he has a reputation for indulgence… for enjoying she–wolves. Why would he refuse you twice?”


    ric’s lip curled. “Maybe the rumors are wrong.”


    Scarlett’s expression shifted subtly. Her gaze sharpened.


    “Father… what if the gossip is false? What if Lucien Duskgrave doesn’t care for she–wolves at all?”


    ric paused, considering. “It doesn’t matter. Whether he does or doesn’t–Duskgrave is the gatekeeper to the Eastern Ridge project. If we can’t secure his support, the Ebonw Pack has no standing left in the Alpha Council.”


    Scarlett’s eyes glinted.


    “Then we change tactics,” she said smoothly. “I heard Matriarch Duskgrave is holding her birthday celebration in Northhaven next month. If we prepare an offering that touches her heart… we may yet forge a connection.”


    ric’s brow lifted. “That’s… not a bad idea.”


    “If we win over the Matriarch,” Scarlett continued, “Lucien will have no choice but to acknowledge the alliance. We just need to send a gift worthy of her attention.”


    ric grimaced. “She’s the Matron of the oldest bloodline in the North. What could we possibly give that hasn’t already crossed her table?”


    Scarlett gave a secretive smile. “If we understand her personal taste–what makes her heart move–we’ll find the answer. I want to go to Northhaven myself.”


    “You want to scout her preferences?” ric asked, instantly reading her intention.


    Scarlett nodded. “This project isn’t just about the Pack–it’s about our future. Once the elders see we’ve brought in Eastern Ridge, they’ll pressure your mate to relinquish her remaining shares. When that happens… the Ebonw Pack will be ours. Entirely.”


    ric didn’t hesitate.


    “Go,” he said. “You should lie low anyway. I’m sure Ronan suspects you already.”


    Scarlett’s expression darkened.


    Yes. Ronan had interfered when his sister tried to use her. At first, she thought he was protecting her. Now, she saw it for what it was–he was trying to protect Riley.


    He’d always liked that little runt, hadn’t he?


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    Even after everything.


    Scarlett’s mouth twisted. “Ronan is only shielding her because he’s ashamed. Once Riley is proven innocent, he’ll look like a fool. And he knows it.”


    But Scarlett had another reason for going to Northhaven.


    She wanted to see Lucien Duskgrave for herself.


    It had started that night at the auction.


    She hadn’t meant to look. Hadn’t nned to. But the moment her gazended on Lucien Duskgrave across the room, every thought in her mind screeched to a halt.


    Tall. Impossibly still. His silver–ringed eyes unreadable under the low chandelier light, like a beast held in check by the thinnest thread of restraint. He hadn’t spoken. He hadn’t needed to.


    She’d seen many Alphas in her life. Fought them, outwitted them, used them.


    But Lucien? He wasn’t like the others. He was… terrifying. And maic.


    A prince by title. A storm by nature.


    Scarlett had told herself it was just curiosity. Just strategy. Just politics.


    But days passed. Then weeks. And still, that one nce haunted her like a brand on her skin.


    Yet Lucien wasn’t without infamy.


    The rumors whispered of a Moon Goddess curse–one that sealed off the mate bond entirely unless the chosen mate fell for him first, without fate’s nudge. It was said none had ever seeded. That Lucien’s aura devoured those who darede close. That dozens of she–wolves, from noble to rogue, had tried and failed.


    Some even imed he’d “cursed” them to death.


    And still, packs sent their daughters. Still, mothers schemed to see their line tied to the Stormridge throne. Why?


    Because if the curse was real… then Lucien’s true mate might never find him. And that meant the position. beside him was open–if only one dared to take it.


    Scarlett did.


    She needed to see for herself. To confirm whether the monster in the rumors was real–or if Lucien Duskgrave was simply a legend shaped by fear.


    And if he turned out to be everything they said… then she’d make him hers anyway.


    And Riley? Riley would never get near him again.