CHAPTER EIGHTY SEVEN - How Kingdoms Rise And Fall

The secure holding facility beneath the Kane pack house hummed with silver-reinforced security systems. Lucas insisted on walking in under his own power, though Aria hovered close, ready to catch him if necessary. Alexander waited for them at the security checkpoint, his imposing figure a reassuring presence. "He's been asking for you, surprisingly." "Me specifically?" Lucas questioned. "Both of you, actually." Alexander's expression darkened. "Be careful. Even weakened, he's dangerous." Victor Cross sat on the edge of a simple bed in a silver-barred cell, looking surprisingly composed despite the evident toll of the curse. His prematurely white hair hung loose around his shoulders, violet eyes—so like Aria's—calculating even now. "The mighty Alpha Kane," he greeted, voice dripping with mock reverence. "Come to witness my suffering firsthand?" Lucas remained expressionless. "I came to understand our shared predicament." Victor's gaze shifted to Aria, something almost like pride