Chapter 57

Sebastian's POV

The air in my office was thick with the scent of burning cedar, the embers in the fireplace crackling softly. I leaned back in my chair, the weight of the crown heavier than usual tonight. Reports from the northern border plagued my thoughts, and Marcus's words replayed in my head like a warning: "Rogue interference, strange activity, possible alliance brewing."

And then there was Fiona.

I rubbed my temples, thinking of the look in her eyes earlier when I'd asked if something was wrong. She was holding back, hiding something from me. I could see it as clearly as the stars outside my window. It wasn't the first time, but tonight, her hesitation gnawed at me.

A soft knock on the door interrupted my thoughts.

"Come in," I said, sitting up.

Leo, my Beta and closest advisor, stepped inside, his expression grim. "We've secured the northern border for now, but I don't think the rogues were acting alone."