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After a brief deliberation, the council delivers their verdict. Rhett and Clyde are found guilty on all counts and sentenced to death for treason. Bianca, as agreed, is sentenced to life imprisonment. Her relief is short-lived though when she learns she’ll be locked in maximum security, not in a werewolf prison but a human one. There will be no full moons for her, and she’ll be sedated to never be able to shift, practically human and defenseless.

Rhett snarls and struggles against his chains as the guards drag him away. “This isn’t over! Alaric will come for you all!”

I rise from my seat, my aura pressing down on the room. “And his death will be swift when he does. Yours not so much.” I remind him.

As the council members disperse, Magnus comes over with Maverick. “Maverick said you might have some ideas on how to handle King Alaric?”

I nod. “Yes, I need the council to address the media, placing the blame on Rhett and Clyde solely. I need Alaric to believe he has gotten away with this.”

“How would we explain his shipments being interrupted?”

“Place it on Clyde that he hired Boreal Transports for his own gain, that he was caught with Rhett trying to dispose of the bodies you believe were from the missing shipping containers found at the docks, that you intercepted him trying to get rid of bodies like those found in the containers.”

“May I ask what you have planned?” Magnus asks.

“No, but you’ll get the invitation to that showdown, that I can assure you.”

“I’ll handle the media, since it looks like I’m stepping out of retirement until a new head of council is elected. Your guard will drop Rhett back to your dungeons, and I will ensure Clyde’s execution is public knowledge and give a statement,” Magnus tells me. Then I remember there was one answer we never got. And that is who is the spy in my castle.

Looking at Maverick, I ask him. “Clyde has someone working inside my castle. Do you know of anyone he speaks to within my guard?” I ask him. His brows scrunch up, and he goes back to his table, retrieving his paperwork.

“I did notice calls coming from the castle. I assumed it was you speaking with him.”

Damian wanders closer, also wanting to know who escaped his radar. Maverick flicks through pages and pulls out a call log, showing us the phone calls. It doesn’t show us where in the castle the call originated from or who it was.

“I will search through his office again and see what I can find. What makes you think you have a traitor in the castle?”

“Information being leaked to the media, but also Jacinta. Someone had to let Rhett in. None of my guards remembered him even being there because we had minimal staff at the castle that day. It was planned too well. They knew I wasn’t going to be home that day.”

Magnus nods slowly, pondering my words.

“Well, I guess it is a good thing you have Rhett in your care. I agreed to allow you to handle his execution. I never said it had to be humane; I’m sure you can convince him to speak.”

With that, Magnus leaves with Maverick and I turn to Aubrey, pulling her into my arms. “It’s done,” I whisper.

She leans into me, but her voice is steady when she replies, “Not yet. There’s still Alaric.”

I nod. Rhett and Clyde may be dealt with, but the true threat remains. And after learning of the army he is building, I know soon he’ll make his move, but not before I make mine.

Chapter 40

• Aubrey •

A week later

The sunlight streaming through the windows of the grand hall casts a golden glow over the polished floors and high-vaulted ceilings. The air is alive with the sounds of movement—maids bustling about with fabrics, decorators hanging delicate floral arrangements, and the clatter of silverware being set for the rehearsal.

Normally, I would find the hustle and bustle overwhelming, but today, it feels different. There’s something almost surreal about it—like this strange calm before the storm, even though we all know what’s coming.

The council made the decision to go along with Soren’s plans. To the public, the official story is they were responsible for the rogue attacks and kidnappings as well as the trafficking. That they’ve been dealt with accordingly. No one is any wiser about King Alaric’s involvement, which means he won’t suspect a thing when he arrives for the wedding. Everything hinges on that.

But today isn’t about political plots or secret executions—it’s about preparations for our wedding. And if I’m being honest, a small part of me wants to savor this moment before everything changes again.

I’m strolling through the main hall, inspecting the towering floral arrangements, when I hear a familiar sound, a rapid patter of small feet on the stone floor.

“Aubrey! Aubrey!” Max’s excited voice rings out, echoing through the hall. I turn just in time to see him barreling toward me, his little face lit up with pure excitement. Behind him, Maribel follows at a more dignified pace, carrying what looks like a bundle of ribbons in her arms.

Max skids to a stop in front of me, his blue eyes sparkling with excitement. “I wanna help! Can I help?” he asks, practically bouncing on his toes.