Chapter 55

**Dorian's pov.**

Cassian was waiting for me in the shadows of the stables, arms crossed, hood low over his brow.

"You look like shit," he muttered as I approached.

"Been a hell of a day," I muttered. "What’ve you got?"

He gave a tight nod. "Theon told me about the lab. Alaric’s been experimenting. Freya’s blood... it’s not normal. It’s powerful. Theon caught him injecting something into rogue test subjects. Claimed her blood could make them stronger."

I exhaled, jaw tightening. "Selene hinted at something similar. Her father said Freya’s blood was the only good thing about her. And he made sure she drank things in front of him. Regularly."

Cassian’s brows knit together. "He was dosing her."

"And using her," I finished. "That bastard’s not just cruel. He’s trying to make something."

We both stood in silence for a moment.

"We need to see it," I said. "We need to get into Alaric’s territory. See what’s going on with our own eyes."

Cassian looked me up and down. "You showing up there would raise every alarm. You’re a prince. Recognized anywhere."

I didn’t like hearing it, but he was right.

He lifted a brow. "I’ll go. I’m better at sneaking in. My face isn’t plastered across every territory border. Once I know more, I’ll return. Meanwhile..."

I finished the thought. "I’ll dig deeper here. See just how involved Maximilian is in this mess."

I suddenly felt a shift in the wind. Familiar perfume.

Ravena.

I mindlinked Cassian. „*Ravena’s nearby. You need to leave. Fast. The longer you wait, the longer I’m kept away from my mate“*

His reply was dry. „*No pressure“.*

Then, more serious: „*She matters to me too, Dorian. Not like you think—but I care. She’s special.“*

My eyes flared, but before I could speak, he added,

*„Like a friend. A powerful one. Don’t give up on her.“*

I exhaled. „*Wasn’t planning on it“*

Cassian vanished into the forest just as Ravena approached.

"My love," she cooed, wrapping herself around my arm. "The king wants to speak about our wedding contract."

I plastered on the charming smirk. "Of course, sweetheart. Let’s not keep him waiting."

Inside the hall, King Maximilian sat at the head of the long table. Beside him, Regulus—Ravena’s father. Stern. Judgmental.

"Dorian," Regulus said coolly. "We’ve heard rumors. That you’ve... found your mate."

My beast stirred.

The king quickly cut in. "Baseless speculation. You know how gossip spreads."

Ravena smiled sweetly. "Let’s not mention names that don’t matter."

I gave a tight smile, shifting the topic. "Let’s talk contracts."

Regulus pushed forward a scroll. "The official announcement should go out today. I want it signed and sealed by dusk."

The king nodded. "We’ve summoned the royal scribe. The message will go out to all pack leaders."

Perfect. Just what I needed—because clearly my life wasn’t enough of a flaming shitshow already.

After the meeting, Ravena clung to me like a vine.

"It’s been *so* long since you touched me," she whispered, lips brushing my ear. "I miss your hands... your mouth..."

She slid a hand down my chest. I caught her wrist gently.

"Later," I said smoothly. "There’s too much to prepare. Official statements. Invitations."

She pouted but let go.

I left with a smile.

Then it dropped.

*What the hell is this life?*

Fake engagements. Losing my mate. My father's games. This had to end.

I stormed to the king’s office. The guards stepped aside.

He was alone.

I shut the door behind me and pulled a chair close.

"Enough games. If you want this charade to succeed, tell me the truth. You hated Alaric. Now he’s your best friend? Hosting him in our halls like an honored guest? You used to talk about ripping his throat out."

Maximilian’s face darkened. "Watch your mouth."

I leaned in. "No. *You* listen. Your alliance with Regulus hangs by a thread. I can snap it anytime. You can’t threaten me anymore. I’m stronger than you. Smarter. The only reason you still sit on that throne is because of my mother’s memory. So talk."

He blinked. Taken aback. Then... something changed.

He saw it.The Alpha power radiating off me.

"You’ve grown," he said slowly. "Fine. You want truth? Here it is. Alaric found something. Freya’s blood—it’s special. He’s using it. Testing it on rogues. It strengthens them. Enhances speed, power, resistance. We could build an army to defend our kind. Even take new lands—witch territory, vampire zones."

My stomach turned. "You want to start a species war? Over power? Do you even understand the cost? How many innocent wolves live beyond our borders? You’d make enemies of the entire realm. What about the Moon Goddess’ law?"

"This is destiny," he barked. "Greatness demands sacrifice."

I stood. "You sound like a madman."

"He’s only testing rogues!"

"They’re unstable! You’re handing them power?! This ends *now*. Do the other alphas know?"

His gaze narrowed. "You’ll stay silent until we have proof. Freya is one girl. Her blood regenerates. We’ll take what we need—leave enough for her to survive. Then, when her blood renews, we’ll take more. Again and again, until we have what we need to build the strongest army our kind has ever seen."

Beast surged forward.

Before I knew it, I had him by the throat, fangs bared.

Guards rushed in. I shoved them aside like toys.

"If not for my mother," I growled, "I’d end you here. You’re a disgrace to the throne."

I threw him back in his chair.

"Watch your back, Father. You won’t walk this land much longer."

Then I left, heart pounding, fury burning. The war had already begun.

And I was done playing prince.