together. The pain clawed at my back with every movement, sharp and relentless. Two maids

ounds, Miss Freya,"

as it touched the open lashes across my back, and I sucked

tered, her expression tense. "Alpha Alaric ha

d he expect me to stand, to move, to pretend a

I refused to let them fall.

ly for agony to lance through my spine.

re

e softened as he took in my state, then hardened with fru

heon stepped inside, setting a small jar down on the

. "You don'

s voice gentle but brooking

The bed dipped as he sat behind me, and a moment later, coo

care of yourself

ly. "I had to

lways throw yours

he outside than rot aw

ingers lingered against my skin, as if he wa

d heavily and pulled away. "You need to be careful,

bled expression. "If I had let that girl suf

tion evident. "And if you keep this up, ther

nside, her eyes darting to Theon before settling on me. "

wed at my every move, but I clenched my jaw, determ

the air. Laughter echoed from the guests, the clinking of goblets and scraping of utensils blending int

aves. At his right, my father, Alpha Alaric, did his best to impress the king, his voice laced with forced charm. Ne

ere was

rol. His icy blue gaze flicked over the feast before landing on me as I e

dy angled toward him in a clear display of interest.

sty," Seraphina purred, her voice swe

. "It is satisfactory." His gaze flickered to my father. "Thou

ty, I assure you, discipline

. "Is that what you call it?

p, chimed in. "Our Alpha only ensures order is

ed as his eyes locked

im. "Some of us know where we belong," she

ssive, my grip on t

d, swirling the wine in

see it too-the way Dorian was watching me, studying me like I was s

y exchanges, took a sip of his wine.

areful to keep my expression neutral. Every movement sen

ning hall. "Tell me, Freya," he said smoothly, maki

but of defiance. I lifted my gaze just slightly, meeting his

used. "We shall