The footsteps sounded soft and steady around the cell, as if the prisoner had been given an exercise routine. However, the high-heeled boots of Queen Erea grew increasingly louder as she walked the tiled floor of the dark building.

“Congratulations,” she said, opening the cell door and taking two steps back. “I didn't think you would make it on the first try, but there is no doubt that the bond between two mates has been blessed by the Goddess. I just hope that same bond doesn't lead you to do anything stupid,” she warned him.

Captain Dugan emerged from the cell with a mischievous grin.

“So it's official? Is my job done?” he asked.

“Perfectly done,” replied the queen. “By now I'm pretty sure you know why I locked you up in here, and it's not because of what you've done but because of who you are.”

“Who I am will never be a problem for the queen mother,” the lycan assured her, bowing his head in respect.

“Well, you are free. You can leave or stay. It's your choice.”

Those words from Qu