ora

surged forward, her composure finally shattering. She physic

oice tight. "My daughter, Corinne, is the heir of this house. We have

himself up to his full height, looking down at her as if

dangerously quiet. "Are you suggesti

ing's judgment was tantamount to treason. Genevieve paled and took a

se not! I on

us recommendation of the Council of Elders," Mr. Finch cut her off, his tone sharp as a raz

entourage following in his wake, leaving Genevieve

of Genevieve's restraint crumbled. She spun around, her face contorted with a

e trembling. "You've ruined your sister's

ng heap on a nearby sofa. "You're a monster!" she wailed, poi

hment. It was like watching a play I had already seen a hu

were assigned automatically by the command." I paused, then added in a tone of earnest, helpful suggestion, "But

e salt poured into her wounds. The implicat

us laugh. "Next time? Do you have any

think... we should be careful. We shouldn't question the Alpha King's decisions behind closed do

ng in the air bet

ve skipped a beat. Of course, she knew I couldn't possibly know her true crime-the swapping of heirs, the greatest treason

as if she was seeing me for the first time, not as a pliable ward, but as

the background. A new, cold

I do not need you to lecture me on my duties." She pointed a rigid finger at the medal and deed I still held.

bit. If she couldn't have the

ssion on my face. My silence, my apparent consideration of her demand, seemed to give her a surge

was

ers. My voice was quiet, but it cut through

paused, letting her savor her small,

ng. This was not a negotia

cold, bottomless certainty she saw there, the words died in her throat. She stared at me,

was just beginning to realize