Hazel's POV
I sat in the council chamber, Caspian at my side. We were positioned at the altar, while the others filled the seats before us. Caspian's hand wrapped around mine—tight, grounding—because I was too emotional to pretend to be heartless today, too shaken to act like the strict, untouchable Alpha they all expected.
Cayden rose first.
"We've searched all of New Orleans and the neighboring territories. There's still no sign of Aurora or Leon," he said.
My stomach twisted. The same news, every day for days. Aurora gone. Leon gone. No trace. No scent. Nothing.
And the Aurora who had been living in our palace? Not Aurora at all—a demon wearing her skin. She escaped before we could catch her.
A demon.
My sword shivered at my hip, responding to the spike of dread in my chest.
"Wife," Caspian murmured, leaning close. "Do not stress yourself like this. Aurora and Leon are strong. They must be somewhere—safe."
