Fenrir's POV.
I kept my back straight as I walked through the main hall. Every soldier I passed, whether wearing my Imperial black or the Ridge's furs, bowed.
"Emperor," a Black Ridge scout muttered as I passed.
I did not stop. I moved until I reached the guest quarters in the west wing, the door clicking shut behind me.
The moment the bolt locked on the door, the mask shattered.
I collapsed against the door, my breath hitching in my chest. My wounded shoulder filled with pain, but it was nothing compared to the hollow, freezing void where my bond with Linus used to pulse.
I could still smell it on my skin, the heavy, intoxicating scent of Kaelen's arousal mixed with that stranger's pine-smoke.
I walked to the small wash basin and splashed cold water on my face. My hands were shaking. I looked in the mirror and didn't recognize the man staring back.
