The courtyard reeked of blood.
It soaked into the cracks between the stone, pooling in the divots and trenches, feeding the roots of weeds that had once grown freely under the heel of those now kneeling in the dirt. The ones who had begged. The ones who hadn't even tried.
I didn't speak.
I didn't have to.
They knew what they'd done.
Kol stood at my side, sword in hand. He hadn't argued when I'd ordered him to oversee it personally. His hands were steady. His eyes were flat. Kade flanked the other side of the platform, arms folded across his chest, silent.
The condemned knelt in neat rows before me. Most were men. A few were women. Guards. Trainers. Elite handlers. Their eyes flicked nervously from the blood-drenched stones to the platform where I stood, Nine's scent still clinging to me like a brand.
I didn't feel triumphant.
I felt cold.
I felt clean.
Nyx was watching through my eyes, her silence like a blade pressed against the inside of my throat. They don't deserve mercy, she whispered. Not after what they did. They wouldn't have spared him. Not if it were you on your knees.
She wasn't wrong.
Kol looked to me for the signal.
I gave a single nod.
The first blade fell.
There was no ceremony. No trial. No chance for protest. Each name had been vetted, double-checked, confirmed. Those who had touched Nine. Hurt him. Played a role. Averted their gaze and let it happen anyway.
One by one, their bodies fell to the courtyard floor.
Blood sprayed, splashed, soaked the stone and my boots. I didn't flinch.
I didn't look away.
Nine was safe. That was all that mattered now.
When the executions were complete, Kol stepped back, panting lightly, blade dripping red. He looked older somehow. Worn. But he didn't complain.
The remaining crowd stood silent.
I surveyed them coolly.
"Let this be your reminder," I said, my voice low but carrying through the still air, "that this is no longer a place of cruelty. This is no longer his kingdom. It's mine."
A murmur ran through them, but no one objected.
"They are dead because they touched what belongs to me. Because they hurt an omega I claimed. If anyone here believes they can do the same—step forward now."
No one did.
Of course they didn't.
I scanned the crowd one last time. Then turned, stepping down from the platform, boots wet against the stones.
As I passed, hybrids ducked their heads.
I was halfway back toward the main wing when Kade caught up to me.
"Rhea," he said lowly, eyes flicking to Kol and the others. "I need to speak with you. Privately."
His tone was quiet, but firm.
I paused, then gave a short nod. "Alright."