the stone railing, his golden eyes fixed on the horizon. The landscape before him was quiet, peaceful even, but his mind was far from calm. He had seen countless battles in

ma

her. He had sent scouts to the farthest reaches of the land, tracked down rumors and whispers of myster

e in his chest, a constant reminder that he was incomplete. Darius had grown numb to the pain, using his work, his du

t for years, and though Darius had learned to mask his emotions, Ezra could always see through him. He had been with Darius thro

he silence. His voice was heavy with concern as he han

that they were gathering in large numbers was troubling. If they weren't stopped, there would be bloodshed. The very idea of it made Darius's s

s. "They've been seen banding togeth

have the chance to form an army." His voice was cold, his determination unwavering. No one threatened his kingd

oment longer, a hint of something unspoken in his gaze. The silence stretched between

rying yourself in this work, in these battles. You're doing this because you haven't found her,

ad been blessed with a mate years ago, and every time he saw the bond between Ezra and his mate, it was a reminder of what Darius lacked. Of w

t ache, a hole in his soul that never seemed to heal, no matter how many victories he claimed or how many enemies he defeated. It

ggles, the quiet moments-only made the ache in his chest grow. It made hi

sed with finding her, had pushed himself harder than ever to keep his mind occupied, to keep his focus on the kingdom

e her, Darius. But she's out there, somewhere. You just have to be pati

ut patience had begun to wear thin. Every time he looked around, every time he saw couples in the pack, ever

ple-they were all he had. He could not afford to dwell on what he lacked. Yet, as much as

hroat. "I've been tracking reports on the rogue activity. They're increa

I understand. Prepare the warriors.

arius..." he paused, glancing at his friend before looking away. "I know you thi

t but resolute. "I'll find her. And wh

ghts swirling. The rogue threat was urgent, but there was somet

en aware that he existed? The questions haunted him, gnawing at his mind

, feeling the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him. He coul

te was the one battle he couldn't ignore. And

moonlight. His heart raced as a strange sensation of familiarity washed over him. Could it be her? Could it really be his mate? Without thinking, he stepped towa