Chapter 22 Shadows Of The Past

• Earlier…
• Soft daylight filtered through the stained-glass windows, painting the floor with a mosaic of warm hues. The king’s study was quiet, disturbed only by the occasional crackle from the fireplace. Damien sat behind a massive wooden desk, tensely sorting through documents. In the far corner, by the window, stood Amelia, her palms pressed against the cool glass. She remained silent, sensing something elusive — an unease that hung over the palace.
• The door creaked open. Brad Cole — Alpha of the Red Moon pack and Amelia’s adoptive father — stepped inside. He looked unusually serious: his shoulders tense, his eyes focused. He nodded to his daughter and bowed respectfully to the king.