Adolphus Osbourne, Alpha and Crown Prince of Arcaria Kingdom, bears a witch's curse—one that strips him of his destined mate. Yet when Iris Vinsant enters his world, the curse shatters against an undeniable pull he cannot resist, no matter the price she'll pay. Iris fled her stepmother's cruelty after fifteen years of torment, only to stumble into the forbidden dark forest where werewolves hunt. Now enslaved to serve the palace, she believes her suffering has merely transformed—until a pair of cold, dark eyes locks onto hers. Adolphus Osbourne has claimed her attention, and with it, her fate. ~~~~~ Iris finds herself trapped between Adolphus and the wall, his towering frame closing around her like a cage. His breath carries wine as he leans close. "You took your time returning," he murmurs. "Your Highness is intoxicated. I should go," she whispers. "You are why I drink," Adolphus replies, his gaze capturing hers. She blinks, uncertain. "Me?" "The smile you gave my brother. The way your hands served him." His voice darkens. "It made me consider his death." Terror floods through her as she tries to speak. "I never—" His finger silences her lips. "Should I kill him for daring to smile at what's mine?" A dangerous smirk plays across his mouth as the question hangs between them, heavy with possession and promise.