The fire had burned low in the hearth, casting long, flickering shadows over the four alphas who slept like kings in their furs.
Kael, sprawled across his throne of antlers, his golden lashes fluttering with dreams of conquest.
Jax, face-down in the pillows, his scarred back rising and falling with each deep breath.
Lucian, curled like a cat near the embers, his smirk still playing at his lips even in sleep.
And Riven.
Riven.
My husband. My betrayer. The one who had whispered forever with blood still fresh on his hands.
I stepped over the threshold, the silver dagger cool against my thigh.
"Sweet dreams, my loves," I murmured.
Then I moved.
Kael woke with my blade between his ribs.
His golden eyes flew open, shock and pain twisting his beautiful face as I straddled him, grinding down on the hilt to drive it deeper.
"Elara—" Blood bubbled at his lips.
I licked it away. "Shhh. This was always the plan."
