Chapter 112 - The Raven's Claim, A Husband's Fury

"The Raven will claim his due."

I read the words again, my hands trembling. The elegant script seemed to mock me, each curve and flourish a deliberate taunt. Though the paper was small, its weight felt immense, as if it carried the force of an ancient curse.

"Isabella." Alaric's voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. When I looked up, his eyes burned with a fury I'd never witnessed before – not even when he confronted my father or sister. This was something primal, something dangerous.

He snatched the note from my hands and crushed it in his fist. "They speak of you as if you're property." His voice was deathly quiet. "As if you're something to be claimed."

I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly cold despite the warmth of the entrance hall. "What does it mean? 'She was never meant for the likes of him.' Who are they referring to?"