Even among monsters, there were limits.
Virel closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them, the decision was already made.
“Begin Phase One,” he said coldly. “Target the Anchors.”
The sigil pulsed again.
And somewhere far away, every Alpha tied to an ancient bloodline lifted their head at once as pain detonated in their chests.
The sanctuary screamed.
Valentine gasped as light tore through her veins. It did not burn. It flooded. Like memories forced awake all at once. She doubled over on the throne, fingers digging into the armrests.
Visions slammed into her mind.
Cities falling.
Crowns shattering.
Sovereigns kneeling not in defeat, but in sacrifice.
She saw Seraphine standing before the Council, unarmed and unafraid.
“You cannot rule what you do not understand,” Seraphine had
