The chauffeur opened the door. I stepped out and froze.
A majestic gold-domed building rose before us like a palace straight out of a fairy tale — or a mosque from some far-off desert kingdom.
Abstract paintings shimmered across the massive dome. The gates gleamed with pure gold, engraved with writing in a language I couldn't read. It felt sacred. Untouchable.
Two elite guards stood at attention in high-fashion suits — tailored pants, beaded jackets, black sunglasses, and earpieces. They looked more like secret service than ordinary sentries.
I was still staring, awestruck, when one guard raised a hand to stop us. He spoke rapidly into his walkie-talkie in an unfamiliar language, then moved toward me.
Tension rippled through my mates. Before I could react, the guard hoisted me onto his back like a sack of potatoes and barked an order to his partner.
Gunfire erupted.
I screamed and struggled, but the man was built like a crane. Bullets thudded into the ground around us as he ran. My stomach lurched with every jarring step. I was seconds away from throwing up — or worse.
Then he stumbled.
I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for impact—
A strong arm caught me mid-fall.
I opened my eyes to Aquasteine's calm blue gaze. A fierce leopard (Alexis) growled beside us, black pendant swinging from his neck. My mates formed a protective wall around me instantly.
I should have been terrified. Instead, a strange warmth settled in my chest. They had my back.
Alexis shifted back to human form and nodded at the others. Aquasteine took my hand and led me forward without a word.
The palace interior stole what little breath I had left.
The scent of summer flowers and rich perfume hung thick in the air. Petals were scattered across the floor in deliberate, artistic patterns. The carpet beneath my feet depicted a lifelike leopard that almost seemed to breathe.
A massive gold chandelier cascaded from the black ceiling like a second sky, its crystals throwing warm light everywhere. Lion-emblazoned thrones served as couches, and a vast black-and-gold table dominated the center of the room.
I stood there, hand still in Aquasteine's, completely overwhelmed. How the hell did I go from making lattes in Cincinnati to this?
"Hmm. I thought you wouldn't even make it past the gate," a voice drawled. "I must have underestimated you."
A man in a black fluffy robe stepped into view. King Levi, I assumed. He looked… disappointingly ordinary. Aged face, small eyes, sparse beard, and a receding hairline. He didn't look like a king. He looked like a tired accountant.
"King Levi," Ramses said, voice tight, green hair whipping slightly in the room's ventilation. "We're confused why you would try to have us killed after summoning us yourself.
"Sit down, and I'll explain," the king replied, his tone softening.
I sank onto one of the luxurious couches. My mates flanked me — Ramses and Alexis on my right, Aquasteine and Zayne on my left. The chair was so comfortable I nearly moaned.
"Would you like some ril?" the king asked, pouring a thick, black, spicy-smelling liquid into geometric glasses.
"No, thank you," Ramses answered for all of us. The men wore deadly serious expressions I'd never seen on them before. It only made my anxiety worse.
The king took a slow sip, then fixed his gaze on me. "I'll get straight to the point. My son's calf was torn off by your… rogue mate. He has decided he will handle this matter personally as the heir. The healer is with him now."
He leaned forward, eyes boring into mine.
"Ravine will become my son's mate. This is the only way to spare her from the crown's full wrath. You may see this as punishment and refuse — and face the consequences. Or you can hand her over and count yourselves lucky."