Page 102 of The Demon King's Destiny

Evelyn grabbed Marrok’s shirt, pulling him down to eye level. “I think you should keep him.”

“You do?”

“Yes.”

“You’re in luck, Danil. My mate says you’re rehired.”

“And what your mate wants, your mate gets?” Danil teased.

“Something like that,” Marrok replied, winking at Evelyn.

Rapid footfalls came down the stone steps behind them. The jovial atmosphere died immediately. The guards shifted, closing in tight around the royal couple. Turning, Marrok tucked Evelyn behind his body.

“It’s only Favin,” Marrok announced, knowing Evelyn couldn’t see past the protective circle.

The guards relaxed and spread apart so their King could speak to his Second.

“Hale is here, Sire. There’s news you’ll want to hear immediately.”

Marrok and Evelyn shared a look. She felt a pressing weight expand from within her ribs. Her entire family was caught up in this, having done nothing other than be marked by Fate.

“I’m sure your family is fine,moj draga. Come on,” Marrok assured, sensing his mate’s anxiety.

He grabbed Evelyn’s hand and escorted her up the stairs. They entered the palace through the large doors they’d exited out of only minutes before.

Hale was waiting for them just inside the back entrance. He bowed and Marrok went on alert at the grim look on the vampire’s face. Whatever news he carried, it wasn’t good.

“In my study, Hale.”

“Of course,” he replied, falling in step behind the royal couple and their guards.

When they reached the study, Marrok asked his men to remain in the hall, then quickly ushered Evelyn, Favin, and Hale inside.

Before closing the door, he turned to Danil. “No one gets inside this room.”

“Nothing will get past me, Sire,” Danil promised, the seriousness in his tone sounding lethal.

Marrok nodded and shut the door. Turning, he saw the others standing behind seats at the table.

“Please,” he gestured for them to sit. “Evelyn, I want you beside me.”

Swiftly, she moved to the chair he held out for her. He pushed it in then took his own, preparing himself for the worst. He wanted Evelyn close in case she was about to hear something had happened to her family.

“Hale, Favin says you have news?” Marrok held out his hand, expecting a scroll.

Hale tapped his temple, “It’s all up here, Sire. There wasn’t time to write. I was told to come immediately.”

“Very well. Tell us the message.”

“The she-wolf, Agatha, has been found.”

“Where?” Marrok asked, knowing she was likely dead. Kellan’s wolf would have demanded retribution for his mate’s poisoning. If the Wolf King got to her first, she’d have been torn to shreds.

“At the bottom of a shallow pond in Western Prajna.”

Marrok’s knuckles knocked on the table. “Shallow pond?”

“Yes.”

---