Back at Rick's pack, the atmosphere felt dark, despite the sunlight streaming through the tall windows. Alia sat back in her chair, legs crossed, as she watched Rhiannon with a sharp, calculating gaze.
"We have to execute this plan perfectly," Alia said smoothly. "If we want Rick back completely on our side, and against Emerald, there can't be a single crack."
Rhiannon snorted softly. "I swear, you've gotten more devious since I was gone."
Alia's lips curved into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Maybe I just learned to stop playing nice."
They both laughed, but it sounded a bit forced.
Inside, Alia's thoughts coiled like snakes. "I'll rip away every last support she has. Piece by piece, until there's nothing left standing."
Her mind drifted, lingering for a moment. "And it wasn't so hard… some of them already bend without much effort." A shadow of a smirk tugged at her lips, though she said nothing more.
Suddenly, the loud sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway.
