TWENTY FIVE

DIMITRI'S POV

"Chains!" I roared, securing a collar of unforgiving metal around my throat.

The servants who were well-versed in this dance because it accompanied the rise of every full moon, followed my command.

Our heritage, like the first one, Lycaon, began as a curse bestowed by a mad god. Yet, we, the Lycans, had turned that curse into our strength—heightened durability, brute strength, and rapid regeneration, were all gifts that came with the curse But it was also accompanied by the inevitable transformation during every full moon.

However, this wasn't a night of the full moon. The servants, no doubt puzzled, diligently wrapped chains around me, ensuring they were as secure as ribbons on a gift.

As an Alpha, I was a direct descendant of Lycaon. So I bore both the boon and the darkness of the curse.

My beast, more primal and bloodthirsty than any mere Lycan, craved something different this time. It wasn't the flesh of innocents but a singular focus—Cameryn's flesh.

She was...