One hour later, the grand ceremonial hall gleamed under a thousand glowing lanterns, casting golden light across marble pillars and polished floors. Courtiers in their finest attire lined the velvet aisles, murmuring in anticipation. Dignitaries, noble houses, and foreign envoys watched with carefully measured expressions, eager to witness the union of the most feared royal alpha and his mysterious chosen mate.
But as Prince Heiko entered the hall, a hush fell over the crowd.
He walked with composed elegance, his stride steady, his face a perfect mask of cold detachment. Yet beneath that mask, chaos churned.
He didn’t remember getting dressed. He barely recalled the steps that brought him here. His hands were still tingling with the residual tremors of his earlier rage spiral, and his h
