Chapter 84. Pride Goes Before a Downfall

Theo and Matt were still discussing Lambert’s punishment—voices low, tension thick, when a guard knocked sharply on the door.

“Enter,” Theo said.

The guard stepped inside, bowed, and presented a sealed letter before quietly withdrawing.

Theo didn’t think much of it—until he saw the seal.

Damian’s seal.

His heart lurched painfully, beating so hard his vision blurred. His fingers trembled as he broke the wax. Even Matt leaned forward, sensing the shift in the room.

Theo read the first line. His breath caught.

By the time he reached the end, all color had drained from his face. His hands fell limply to his sides, and the letter slipped from his grip, fluttering onto the desk.

“Alpha?” Matt asked cautiously. “What’s wrong?”

Theo shut his eyes for a long moment, forcing himself to inhale.

When he finally spoke, his voice was hollow.

“Damian… has commanded that I bring Lambert and Mina with me tomorrow,” he said slowly. “He