Chapter 16

KNOX'S POV I strode through the castle's western wing, my footsteps echoing off the stone walls. The conversation with Aubrey still burned in my mind, but I pushed it aside. Father's mindlink had been urgent, leaving no room for distraction. As I rounded the corner to his study, I stopped short. Jax stood outside the heavy oak door, his usual easy demeanor nowhere to be seen. He wore formal pack attire—black pants and a crisp white shirt with our pack's crest embroidered on the collar. The sight set me on edge. Jax never dressed formally unless something was wrong. "Brother," he said, inclining his head. The gesture was respectful, but there was tension in his shoulders I had rarely seen before. "What's going on?" I asked, keeping my voice low. The torches along the hallway flickered, casting dancing shadows across his face. Jax shook his head slightly. "Father will explain." I studied him a moment longer. Despite our complicated history—him being Father's son from his mistress, the co