Chapter 27 – The Alpha Who Breaks

The sun rose over the court like a wound.

Its light touched the spires of the palace, caught the banners hanging heavy in the wind, and spilled gold across the courtyard where Kael knelt, arms braced on his knees, blood still drying on his knuckles.

He hadn't slept.

Not since the duel was announced.

Not since the last thread of control had slipped through his fingers.

It was Elder Garron who challenged him. Old blood. Old pride. Old laws.

"You've forsaken the traditions that made this court strong," Garron spat before the full council. "You bend to prophecy. You bow to the Moonblood. You are not Alpha anymore—you are a shadow standing in her light."

Kael had stared him down, jaw clenched so hard his teeth ached.

"I am still Alpha," he said.

"Then prove it. Blood duel. At dusk."

The court had roared with approval. Not with loyalty.

With hunger.