The days after denouncing my adoptive parents should feel like disaster. Instead, I wake feeling lighter, as if unknown chains have broken. The harem watches me differently—some with pity, others with respect.
But Lady Morgana's eyes gleam with calculation. She struck through my family, and though that bridge is burned, she's proven that even Nathan's warning can't stop indirect attacks.
"The court gossips are having a feast," one of the newer girls whispers during morning exercises. "They say the king hasn't searched for his fated mate in weeks. That he's too distracted by... well." Her eyes dart to me meaningfully.
The accusation settles like ice in my stomach. If the court believes Ryder is neglecting his duty because of me, it puts both of us in danger. The High Packs expect their king to actively pursue breaking the curse—it affects their entire future, not just his.
That evening, when the summons comes, I know it's serious. Ryder's pacing by the windows, shoulders tight with tension.
"The council met today," he says without preamble. "Three High Pack Alphas formally expressed concern about my 'lack of progress' regarding the curse. They think I'm becoming too attached to one harem woman instead of focusing on finding my mate."
"Because of me." It's not a question. My fingers find the moonstone pendant at my wrist, rubbing it nervously.
"Because of us," he corrects, taking my hands. "I don't regret a moment. But the political pressure is mounting. If I don't show them I'm actively searching, they might take matters into their own hands."
"What does that mean?" My voice comes out smaller than intended.
"Forced betrothals. Bringing in witches. Methods that could be... unpleasant." His thumb strokes my knuckles.
"I've been sending envoys north, trying to trace Selena's homeland. We've narrowed it to two possible packs—both have 'Snow Wolf' variations in their names, both connected to Moon Goddess worship."
"That's good, isn't it? You're close to finding answers."
He releases my hands, pouring wine with controlled precision. "The envoys keep returning with nothing. The northern packs protect their bloodline secrets. The elders refuse to share sacred lineages with outsiders."
"So what's your next move?"
"That's the problem." He hands me wine, our fingers brushing. "I don't have one. Every channel leads to walls. I'm running out of time. Four years sounds like forever until you realize how quickly they pass."
I study his face—the controlled expression hiding frustration. An idea forms, reckless but maybe our only chance.
"What if I go?"
His head snaps up. "What?"
"Think about it," I say, warming to the idea even as I voice it. "I'm nobody important—just a harem woman from a minor pack. My absence won't cause political waves the way yours would.”
I get more and more into the idea. “I could claim I'm researching my heritage, trying to understand my adoptive family's old trading connections in the north. No one would suspect an ulterior motive."
"Absolutely not." His voice turns to stone. "You're not traveling hundreds of miles into potentially hostile territory on some desperate mission."
"It's not desperate if it's our only option," I counter, setting down my wine to pace. "The twins could come as protection—they're trusted nobles, their presence wouldn't raise the suspicions that yours would.”
I turn to him. The look in his eyes is pure desperation that I try to assuage. “And Ryder, if I approach the elders as someone genuinely seeking knowledge about bloodlines, not as a royal envoy demanding answers, they might actually talk to me."
"The northern territories are dangerous. Wild packs, harsh weather, political tensions—"
"I'm not fragile," I interrupt, facing him fully. "I was trained as a warrior before I was ever trained as a lady. And with Nathan and Luca there—"
"You've thought this through." It's not quite an accusation.
"I'm thinking it through now, as we talk. I’ve researched this in the library, I don’t know enough, but it’s better than nothing. But Ryder, what other choice do we have? Let the council force you into some arranged betrothal? Watch you slowly give up as the years count down?" My voice cracks slightly. "This might be your only real chance."
He's quiet for a long moment, those silver-grey eyes studying me with an intensity that makes my skin prickle. "You'd do this? Risk yourself for a curse that isn't even yours to break?"
"Your curse affects everyone I care about," I say simply. "You, the kingdom, even Nathan and Luca who serve you. If there's a chance I can help, I have to try."
He crosses to me in three strides, cupping my face with hands that tremble slightly. "I can't lose you too. Not when I just found you."
"You won't," I promise, though we both know I can't guarantee that. "The twins will protect me. I'll be careful. And I'll come back with answers."
He kisses me then, deep and desperate, like he's trying to memorize the taste of me. When we break apart, we're both breathing hard.
"I need to think about this," he says finally. "Talk to Nathan and Luca, see if they'd even agree—"
"I'll talk to Nathan," I offer. "He should hear the idea from me."
Later that night, I find Nathan in the training grounds, working through sword forms with violent precision. He doesn't acknowledge me at first, but I know he's aware of my presence—his movements become sharper, more controlled.
"Ryder told you about the council meeting," I say when he finally stops.
"He did." Nathan grabs a towel, wiping sweat from his face. "Political vultures, all of them."
"I have an idea. You're not going to like it."
His green eyes, with that distinctive dark fleck, narrow immediately. "Why do I feel like you're about to suggest something incredibly dangerous?"
I explain the plan, watching his expression shift from skeptical to angry to fiercely protective. "Absolutely not," he says before I even finish. "You're not traveling hundreds of miles into hostile territory on some insane mission."
"It's not insane if it could save Ryder's life."
"I don't—" He stops himself, jaw clenching. "That's not fair."
"None of this is fair. But if we don't try something, he dies in four years. Is your pride worth his life?"
Nathan's hands clench into fists, and for a moment I think he might actually punch something. Then his shoulders drop slightly. "Luca would insist on coming."
"I assumed as much," I say, fighting a smile despite the seriousness.
"This is madness," he mutters, but I hear acceptance in his voice. "Traveling into unknown territory, seeking information trained envoys couldn't get..."
"But you'll do it?"
He looks at me for a long moment, then pulls me against him roughly. "I'll discuss it with Luca. But Coralina, if we do this, we do it my way. My protection, my rules."
"Agreed," I murmur against his chest, breathing in his scent of pine and leather.
"Luca will probably see this as some grand adventure," Nathan adds with a sigh. "He'll be insufferable."
I can't help but laugh at that, the sound muffled against his shirt. "Probably."
"You realize how dangerous this could be? Not just physically, but politically? If anyone suspects the real reason—"
"They won't," I assure him. "Who would believe the king would send his harem woman on a mission to break his curse? It's too absurd."
"Everything about our situation is absurd," Nathan points out, but his arms tighten around me. "Fine. Just… do what I say when I say it. Okay?"
"Thank you," I whisper, and mean it. Because despite the danger, despite the uncertainty, this feels like hope—the first real hope any of us have had.