VALERIA

I trembled as King Aldric appeared through the door, furious—completely enraged.

I pulled away from the Lycan who had been tending to me, instinctively curling into the corner of my bed, shivering, clutching the sheets tightly against my chest as if they could somehow shield me from his fury.

"I was only giving her medicine, sir," the Lycan replied, standing and placing the brew on the bedside table before turning to face him.

"You could’ve ordered a maid for that. I don’t want you near her," Aldric growled, his voice rough and strange, like when he had been chained.

"Fine. I just wanted to help—she was on the verge of death."

"There’s much to discuss about that. Now leave. Call the housekeeper. I want the entire staff gathered in the kitchen," he ordered, and the Guardian left, walking toward the door.

Lycans aren’t as submissive toward Aldric as the others, but the hierarchy between them was still obvious—he was the King, and he ruled over them all.

At the door, the Guardian