Page 49 of A Crown of Fates

As protective as I feel over Estee, I can’t help the images that float within my mind. Ones of Orix attempting to stand in my way and me taking back every piece of myself, one savage act at a time.

Still, as salivating as that scenario is to both me and my wolf, we know what needs to be done. Our mate will be safe above all else.

“More god than wolf.”

Elyn’s earlier words whisper through my thoughts again. They’re my beacon to the future, the hope I’d believed Estee had brought me, but I can see now that it’s not on her to provide my happiness, to show me forgiveness. That’s something I must do for myself, and I’m going to. No matter what it takes.

Outside my office, I can feel the murmur of the pack. Even at this late hour, the kingdom is restless, their energy vibrating with anticipation, confusion, and a hint of fear. They’re waiting to see if their king has finally lost his mind. Maybe I have. But when I return with Estee, I’ll show them who I truly am. Selaris will become a sanctuary, a place others yearn to be. I’ll make this kingdom something to be proud of—something Estee can look at with pride.

“The shadow realm is infinite,” Elyn says, her voice laced with warning. “I know you’re feeling invincible but let me remind you: you have very little of your god power left. The darkness there will affect you. Don’t linger. Don’t speak to anyone. Don’t touch anything.”

I place my hands on her shoulders, squeezing gently, a rare smile tugging at my lips. “I’ve got this.”

Her eyes narrow, her lips pressing into a thin line. “I’m not sure if your newfound confidence will be our salvation or ourdamnation. Just remember, Estee won’t have much time left now.”

A cold dread coils in my chest, making my fingers tighten involuntarily on her shoulders. “What do you mean?”

“Did you think all those warnings I just gave applied only to you?” She jerks back, freeing herself from my grip. “Estee’s been in there for nearly twelve hours. She’s going to be weak, believe she belongs there with the trapped souls, and basically useless to you until we cleanse her. There’s still a chance, but you need to hurry.”

She doesn’t have to tell me twice. The urgency claws at me, my wolf snarling in agreement. Estee is in danger—not just of physical harm, but of losing herself to that wretched place. I double-check my pockets, fingers grazing the daggers and throwing stars tucked within both sides.

It’s time to get my mate back.

“Not so fast, King Theo.”A voice, silken and sharp, snakes through my mind before echoing in the room.

A striking figure materializes in front of me, her presence stealing the breath from my lungs. She strides toward me, each step brimming with the confidence of someone who’s never been refused.

Her eyes, a mesmerizing shade of violet, gleam with an ancient, unyielding power. Dark red lips curve into a smirk, and strands of sleek hair fall to her waist, the color a blend of fire and shadow. Charcoal fabric covers her yet it’s almost as if she wears nothing at all.

She stops beside Elyn, casting a radiant smile at her. “My child. So full of power.”

The elder wolf bows deeply, her wrinkled skin beginning to glow with a faint luminescence. “Aurora. It’s a blessing to see you again.”

The goddess chuckles softly. “Of course it is. Now, why have I been disturbed to deal with mortal wolf problems? The delicious King Asher mentioned you’ve made enemies with another god.”

Her presence pulls at something deep within me, an intoxicating draw I can’t ignore. My hand instinctively reaches for hers, craving her touch, her power. She swats me away with a laugh, wagging a finger in my face. “Down, boy. I don’t give my energy freely. If you want something from me, you’ll have to give me something in return.” She sniffs the air, her face twisting in disgust. “Why doesOrixlinger on you? What sort of loathsome entanglement have you created?”

My voice catches in my throat as her power presses down on me, rendering me momentarily speechless.

Aurora’s hand is still raised toward me, but her gaze shifts to Elyn. “Explain.”

“Orix found a way to attach himself to Theo. The god has been siphoning Theo’s god energy ever since, and I believe he plans to do something with the next crowned heir if we don’t stop him.”

“He also stole my mate.” I manage to find my voice once more, needing to share what’s most important about all of this.

“I thought I was coming here for…” The goddess sighs deeply and drops her hand. “Never mind. I’ll still get what I want. Now, as amused as I am that Orix is attempting to make a comeback, I don’t have time for this, nor do I have any desire to step foot in the shadow realm. Lure him back here, and I might decide to help you, but that nuisance is nothing more than a pest to me. Even if he manages to transfer his soul to your child, which I presume is his intention if he’s still as shrewd as he once was, he’ll never be a threat to me.”

This has my wolf surging to the surface, a ferocious growl ripping from deep within me. “That’swhy he wanted me to produce an heir? So he can claim his body?”

Aurora shrugs, her hair floating around her as if caught in an invisible breeze. “What else is a child good for?”

The casual cruelty of her words sends a chill through me. Now I understand Asher’s reluctance to involve her.

She chuckles, as if sensing my thoughts. “Asher is merely afraid of our connection, but thankfully for him, I’m not easily offended.” With a sly smile on her lips, she comes closer to me. “And because he dared to ask me himself, I will grant you one gift.” She moves so gracefully that her body seems to glide over the floor. She lifts her arm and places a finger at the center of my chest, her grin turning wicked. “This will hurt.”

My body tenses, my shoulder curving inward as my chin drops submissively. Each of my fingers bend painfully as a jolt of pain explodes through my chest. Her energy stabs into me, tearing through my flesh, forming a barrier that settles around my heart and mind, a searing shield that makes me grit my teeth against the agony.

“I can’t break the bond Orix has formed,” she says, voice like honeyed venom. “But this will block him from your mind, preventing him from toying with your emotions.”

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