KNOX

The afternoon sun beats down on the training grounds as I watch Aubrey demonstrate defensive maneuvers to a group of eager young wolves. Sweat glistens on her brow, but her movements remain fluid and precise—every block, every counter-attack executed with the skill that first caught my attention weeks ago. The children hang on her every word, their faces bright with admiration and determination.

"Remember," she calls out, adjusting a boy's stance with gentle hands, "your size is an advantage, not a weakness. You're faster, more agile. Use that."

Pride swells in my chest as I watch her work. These children adore her, and she's giving them skills that could save their lives. After everything she's endured—the nightmares, the trauma of losing her pack—she's still finding ways to protect others.

A castle guard approaches, his expression formal but urgent. "Your Highness, your presence is requested in the great hall. A visitor has arrived seeking an audience with you."

I glance back at Aubrey, who's noticed the interruption. "Go ahead," she says, wiping sweat from her forehead with a training cloth. "I'll finish up here and meet you inside."

The great hall buzzes with the kind of energy that accompanies unexpected arrivals. Servants move with purpose while courtiers cluster in small groups, their whispered conversations creating an undercurrent of curiosity. But it's the familiar laugh that stops me cold—bright, musical, unmistakably Nora.

My lips curve into a genuine smile as I spot her near the throne, her auburn hair catching the afternoon light streaming through stained glass windows. Nora has been a friend since childhood, one of the few people who treats me like Knox rather than the Crown Prince. Seeing her here is a welcome surprise.

But then I see who stands beside her, and my blood turns to ice.

Jax.

My elder half-brother dominates the space around him with that same commanding presence he's always possessed, his dark hair and storm-gray eyes marking him unmistakably as royal blood. But what shocks me isn't his presence—it's how comfortable he looks. How natural. Since his mother Elena's death, Jax has barely set foot in the castle, claiming it holds too many painful memories.

So what changed?

My jaw clenches as suspicion floods my system. Jax doesn't do anything without purpose, and his sudden appearance here—with Nora, no less—sets every instinct I have on high alert.

The great hall doors open behind me, and I turn to see Aubrey enter. The moment her eyes find Jax, something happens that makes my protective instincts surge to life. All color drains from her face, her hands beginning to tremble visibly. She looks like she's seen a ghost—or something worse.

I move to her side immediately, my hand finding the small of her back in a gesture that's become second nature. Her skin is cold through the fabric of her training clothes, and I can feel fine tremors running through her frame.

"Aubrey?" I murmur, keeping my voice low. "Are you alright? You look pale."

She forces a smile that doesn't reach her eyes. "I'm fine. Just tired from training."

The lie is obvious, but before I can press further, Nora's delighted voice cuts across the hall.

"Knox!" She bounds toward us with characteristic enthusiasm, her face glowing with happiness. "Perfect timing. I have the most wonderful news to share."

Despite my concerns about Jax's presence and Aubrey's strange reaction, I can't help but return Nora's infectious smile. "Nora, it's good to see you. What brings you to court?"

Her grin widens impossibly. "I've found my mate!"

The joy in her voice is genuine, radiating the kind of pure happiness that comes from discovering one's other half. Under normal circumstances, I'd be thrilled for her. Nora deserves every happiness life can offer.

But then she gestures toward Jax, and my stomach drops.

"Knox, I'd like you to meet my fated mate," she says, practically vibrating with excitement. "Though I suppose you already know each other, being brothers and all."

Jax steps forward with that predatory grace he's never lost, extending his hand in greeting. "Little brother," he says, his voice carrying that familiar note of casual dominance. "It's been too long."

I accept his handshake because protocol demands it, but every muscle in my body remains tense. There's something in his tone, something in the way his gray eyes assess me, that feels wrong. Calculating.

"Jax," I acknowledge carefully. "This is... unexpected."

"Life is full of surprises," he replies with a smile that doesn't reach his eyes. "I certainly never expected to find my mate at a border pack gathering, but the Moon Goddess works in mysterious ways."

The casual mention of border packs makes my ears prick with attention. Those territories have been experiencing unusual troubles lately—missing wolves, strange disappearances. Is it a coincidence that Jax was in that area?

Beside me, Aubrey sways slightly, and I tighten my grip on her waist. Whatever's affecting her is getting worse, not better.

"Perhaps you should rest," I suggest quietly, genuinely concerned. "You've been training hard today."

"No," she says quickly, too quickly. "I'm fine. Really."

Nora notices our exchange and approaches with friendly concern. "Are you feeling alright, Lady Aubrey? You look a bit peaked."

Before Aubrey can deflect again, Dad's voice booms across the hall as he enters with his characteristic authority. "Nora! What a delightful surprise. And Jax—how wonderful to see you home."

The warmth in Dad's voice when he addresses Jax makes something bitter twist in my chest. Even after years of distance, even after Jax's deliberate avoidance of family gatherings, Dad's face lights up like he's seeing his prodigal son return.

"Your Majesty," Nora says, executing a perfect curtsy. "I've come seeking your blessing. Jax and I have discovered we're fated mates, and we'd like to visit various packs to announce our bond before settling into our new life together."

Dad's joy is immediate and genuine. "Of course, my dear. How wonderful! A mating between our family and yours strengthens bonds that have existed for generations."

The formal blessing proceeds with traditional ceremony, but I find myself studying Jax throughout the proceedings. There's something different about him—a confidence that goes beyond his usual arrogance, a satisfaction that seems almost... vindictive.

When the ceremony concludes, Nora's expression shifts slightly, becoming more serious. "Actually, Your Majesty, while I did come for the blessing, I had another purpose as well."

"Oh?" Dad leans forward with interest.

"It's about the witch activities in the border territories," Nora continues, her voice dropping with concern. "There have been... troubling developments. Wolves going missing, strange magical signatures, evidence of dark practices. I thought you should know."

The words hit the hall like cold wind. Witch activities. Missing wolves. Everything connects to the threats we've been tracking, the mysterious disappearances that have plagued the kingdom.

But it's Aubrey's reaction that truly alarms me. She goes completely rigid, her breathing becoming shallow and rapid. Whatever connection exists between these revelations and her distress, it's serious.

I pull her closer, offering what comfort I can while my mind races with questions. Why does Jax's presence affect her so strongly? What does she know about these witch activities? And why do I have the growing certainty that tonight's revelations are just the beginning of something much larger and more dangerous?