I’m not supposed to be in this wing of the palace.

The western corridor is reserved for high-ranking guests and council members. But I took a wrong turn after leaving the library, and now I’m lost in a maze of identical hallways.

That’s when I hear voices. Low. Intimate. Coming from behind a partially open door.

I should leave. Should turn around and find my way back. But something in the tone—something familiar—makes me stop.

Makes me move closer.

“You’re hesitating.” Queen Mother Seraphine’s voice is silk over steel. “I thought you understood what was at stake.”

“I do understand.” Marcus. Theron’s Beta. His voice is strained. “But killing her? That’s not what I agreed to.”

“You agreed to keep the girl weak. Trapped in that pathetic pack.” The rustle of fabric. “And you did beautifully. For years.”

My blood turns to ice.

Through the gap, I can see the Queen Mother circling Marcus like a predator, her hand trailing across his chest. “You’ve been so helpful, Marcus. So loyal.”

Her voice drops. “Loyalty should be rewarded.”

“I kept Theron distracted. Made sure he never looked too closely at Kira. But this…” Marcus steps back, but she follows.

“You’re a Beta who fucked a queen and thought you could save her daughter.” She laughs, cruel and low. “Honor died for you a long time ago.”

The words hit me like a fist. Marcus.

The ‘M’ from the letters.

“I cared about Elara,” Marcus says, pain raw in his voice. “I thought hiding Kira would keep her safe. I didn’t know you’d— The mate bond. You forced it onto her.”

“Of course I did.” Seraphine’s smile is vicious. “A false bond to a weak Alpha. The perfect cage.” Her fingers trace his jaw. “Theron doesn’t even know it’s artificial. He thinks his wolf chose poorly, and now he’s suffering for it. Perfect.”

“And if she wins the trials?”

“She won’t. The forced bond weakens her. Years of suppression stunted her.”

She moves closer, her hand sliding down his chest.

“But I need insurance. Keep Theron distracted. If she somehow survives, ensure she meets with an accident.” Her other hand cups his neck. “Help me, and I’ll give you everything. Position. Power. Me.”

The last word is breathed against his mouth and Marcus trembles, war playing across his face. “I can’t. I promised Elara—”

“Elara is dead.” Her voice goes hard. “Help me eliminate the threat, or become one yourself.”

She kisses him—hard, possessive. For a moment, he responds, hands gripping her waist. Then he shoves her away. “No. I won’t help you kill her.”

Queen’s expression goes cold. “Then you’re useless to me.”

“So be it.” He turns and walks toward the door—toward me.

I barely have time to duck into a shadowed alcove before he passes, his face twisted with guilt and self-loathing. He doesn’t see me. Just strides down the corridor like he’s fleeing demons.

I wait until I hear the Queen Mother leave in the opposite direction before I move.

My hands are shaking. My mind is racing. The Queen Mother orchestrated everything. The false mate bond. My imprisonment. Years of suffering—all planned. All designed to keep me weak and controllable.

To make sure I’d die in the blood trials.

I find Marcus in the guest wing, staring out a window like he can’t bear to look at anything else.

“You loved her,” I say from the doorway. Not a question.

He spins around, eyes widening when he sees me. “Princess Kira…”

“My mother. Queen Elara. You loved her.”

His face crumples. “I did. More than anything.”

“Then help me.” I move closer, my voice steady despite the fear clawing at my throat. “Help me stop the Queen Mother. Help me save both our packs.”

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