The air surrounding them was dark, the sky heavy with smoke. Fire burned across the palace grounds, and the screams of wounded warriors mixed with the clash of weapons.
Thorne's claws dug into the ground as he stared at the man standing before him—the monster he had failed to kill decades ago. The same monster who had taken his mate and unborn pup from him.
And now, he was here again.
"You look surprised to see me," Khaos said, spreading his arms. "Did you truly believe death could hold me?"
Thorne's jaw tightened. "I should have made sure there was nothing left of you."
Khaos laughed. "And yet, here I stand."
He glanced around the courtyard, taking in the burning buildings and the warriors fighting desperately to defend their home.
"Look at what you've built, Thorne. A kingdom that trembles at the sight of me. Warriors who will die for a king who cannot even protect his own people."
"Keep talking," Thorne growled. "It won't save you."
"Oh, I'm not the one who needs saving."
