William’s plot had been carefully crafted, and Penelope knew it. He had cornered her, using the threat of war to force her hand. “You must go to Azacunta,” he had said, his voice dripping with false concern. “Take part in the royal mating ceremony. It’s the only way to secure peace between our kingdoms.” Penelope had seen through his lies immediately. It was a trap — a way to send her away, to remove her from Goldenrealm so he and Elijah could carry out their schemes unchecked. But she had played along, masking her anger with a calm demeanor. If William thought she would go quietly, he was wrong. She had her own plan. The Lycan King of Azacunta was powerful, and if she could gain his trust, perhaps he would help her expose William and Elijah’s treachery. As the carriage rolled through th