Chapter 44

The guard ran frantically into the throne room, his face contorted in panic. He was carrying a box, its contents unknown. His eyes darted between Blair and Oscar, and he said in a strained voice, "It's from the rival alpha king Augustra".

Confusion flashed across both Blair and Oscar's faces. Oscar stepped forward, but Blair reached the guard first and snatched the box from his hands. He stood tall and ripped open the box, his face suddenly frozen. Oscar peered over his shoulder, and his face twisted in horror.

Inside the box lay Kaleb's head, dripping with blood. His eyes were closed and the skin of his face was pale and waxen. Oscar stepped away from the box, his breath coming in shallow gasps. He turned to the guard, and demanded in a trembling voice, "What is the meaning of this?"

The guard shook his head, and said in a broken voice, "I don't know, your Highness. King Augustra sent it to you with no explanation."

Blair's jaw clenched, and he said in a low, dangerous voice, "It see