Kael's POV
The banquet hall doors exploded inward as I kicked them open. Splinters showered the marble floor. Every face in the room turned to me, conversations dying mid-sentence.
"Where is she?" My voice cut through the silence like a blade.
Alpha Darius stepped forward, his expression carefully neutral. "Lycan King, what an unexpected—"
"I won't ask again." My control was slipping. The rage building inside me threatened to consume everything. "Where is Hazel?"
Jax stood beside me, his presence solid and watchful. His earlier words still echoed in my mind: "She's gone. The human's scent trail ends at the edge of the property."
The pack members exchanged nervous glances. A flash of something—guilt?—crossed several faces before they looked away.
"Answer me!" I roared, the sound reverberating off the high ceiling.
"Your Majesty," Darius began, straightening his tie, "I'm afraid I don't know who—"
A low growl rumbled in my chest. "Do not lie to me."
