RAQUEL'S POV. I took a deep breath as I crossed the border into the Lycan kingdom. It had been Six months since I last visited, and though the familiar sights brought back fond memories, there was an unsettling feeling in my gut. I had come under the guise of visiting my best friend, Aliya, but my intuition told me that this visit would be far from a simple reunion. As she approached the royal gates, my keen eyes noticed the subtle changes. Guards were more vigilant, and the air was thick with tension. I was greeted warmly by the sentries who recognized me, and after a brief exchange, I was allowed entry. The grand halls of the royal court were just as I remembered, but the atmosphere was different. Servants moved quickly, heads down, and there was a pervasive sense of unease. I asked