E P

ock and disbelief. Her gaze darted from the bound Delano on the floor t

s jaw slack. The party guests craned their necks

my turn t

ward the crowd until I found an older, elegant woman-Lady A

it would have pitied me. Still trembling with shock, I pointed toward

ruggled against his restraints, his muffled grunt

l, a performer. She rushed to my side, her exp

ndice said softly, reaching out as if to comfort me. "Please tel

h sweetness, but the flash of malice an

touch as though avoi

Chloe would never have dared to imagine. I drew bac

ainst her cheek echoed throug

led throug

cheek. Her blue eyes widened with humiliation and shock

h anger that required no performance. "Candice, did you already know I was in danger? Otherwise, h

er. "I was resting in my room. Why did my stepsis

uspicion. They looked toward Candice with

ready know I was in danger? Otherwise, how do you explain the timing

been ripped away. "I... I was just worried about you," she finally stammered, slipping

wn a locked door? Is this how the Howe Pack treats its guests? Or do you bel

my sword. I noticed several older pack members nodding in agreement. In a wolf

quickly. "Chloe! How can you be so cruel to Candice? She was only trying to h

is. What role are you playing in this little performance? If I remem

e their behavior ap

toward Delano. With one sharp ya

ce leaving no room for defia

r. He looked first at my cold, resolute expression, then towar

xchange and seized

ed sharply, pointing between them. "Delano, wh

nto murmurs. Candic

among themselves, their eyes filled with distrust toward Candice. Delano's

that seed to take r

ad caused me, but also my formal declaration of w

d to be perfect had finally d