Ethan's POV
The wind outside carried the faint scent of pine and rain.
I stood on the balcony of my new chambers — his chambers — staring into the night sky where the moon hung low, pale and distant.
The coronation was over. The cheers had faded.
And Father… had already gone.
No one knew where. No explanation. No farewell.
He had handed me the crown — and vanished.
I gripped the balcony rail, staring at the silver circlet resting on the table behind me.
Why now?
Why would he name me Alpha and leave Silverfang the same day? He hadn't even stayed to join the feast or stand beside me as tradition demanded.
It wasn't like him.
Father never walked away from duty, not without purpose. So what was he planning? What game was I now a part of?
The crown glimmered faintly in the torchlight. It looked weightless… yet my neck already ached from wearing it.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. I didn't know wearing the crown could feel this heavy.
And then there were my brides.
