061

Lucian’s POV

The afternoon sun bled through the beautifully leaded windows of my study, casting a warm glow on the leather armchair I occupied. Papers sprawled across the dark-brown desk before me, testaments to the never-ending work that weighed down a pack leader. Yet, even with the weight of responsibility pressing down on me, a sliver of hope flickered within. Max, my ever-reliable beta, barged into the room, his usual confused outlook replaced by an uncharacteristic grin.

" Alpha Lucian," he boomed, his voice echoing, "I think I've found the answer."

I straightened in my chair, intrigued. Max wasn't exactly the type to play games but neither was he so serious either.

"The answer to what exactly?"

"Your sister's situation," he clarified, his grin widening. "We have a contender."

Hazel. The mere mention of her name sent a throb through my chest. Years of searching had finally led me to her, but a cruel twist of fate—security reasons stemming from a past