Chapter 34. The Hunt Begins

Nathan's POV

The moon hangs low. Illuminating the tracks of the traitors- my brother Elliot and that serpent Ally- as they flee from my domain. Their betrayal cuts deeper than the winter's chill seeping into my bones.

In the confines of my study, I stand before the vast window, my hands clenched at my back, Lucas growling softly in the recesses of my mind. The heavy scent of old leather and ink swirls around me, an oppressive cloud bearing witness to my disgrace.

"Your Majesty," Poppy's voice is a silken caress as she enters, her footsteps soft against the stone floor. "The people must know the truth."

"Truth?" I scoff, turning to face her. The darkness of the room clings to her like a second skin, her eyes reflecting a glint of something feral, Niamh prowling just beneath the surface. "Ally has made a fool of me, and Elliot..." My words falter, bile rising in my throat.

"Elliot has shown his t