Ryker's POV:
I stood at the edge of the dais, the ancient dagger heavy against my palm, its cool weight a reminder of what I’d just sworn to uphold. Stormveil’s High Council, the King and Queen, the entire pack—Lord and Alpha—all watched as I lowered my blade to thigh, sealing my oath with blood. The copper bowl glinted in the torchlight, a silent testament to my commitment. I am their Alpha now. Yet as the crowd erupted into howls and cheers, I felt nothing but a storm in my chest.
I stared at Keya with a frown. She looked stressed, and her smile was fake. Rafael and Rhys hovered beside her, protective. Even as I stepped down from the dais, I caught her gaze across the sea of faces. She looked… like she would rather not be here.
Why did she hide this from me? I would have stood by her
