Chapter 26

Kenrik

I should be locked away in my room with Ahlana, creating an heir and readying myself to take over the throne from Father.

Instead, I’m sitting in my office, waiting for her father, Alpha Jonah, to get here to transport her body back to Dark Fang.

There won’t be a funeral here. Father said she hadn’t done anything worthy of a formal goodbye, and as she died before we could seal the chosen mate bond, she was nothing to the pack. Just when I thought she was finally becoming obedient, she had to go off for a run in the woods. I know I need a mate of alpha blood to keep the Adler heirs strong, but it’s such a hard spirit to break.

The smell of burnt flesh has been permanently etched into my senses. The look of horror that her eyes held as they stared lifelessly as Anders carried her back to the castle was no match for the pure rage of Father’s eyes.

Three tentative knocks rap out against my door. “Come in,” I growl.

Our Gamma, Niko, slowly opens the door, dropping his head and