Lucian's POV
*****
Lucian exhaled sharply, rolling his sore jaw. He could still feel the Alpha King's fingers pressing into the bone, a phantom ache that pulsed with every heartbeat.
The bruise wasn't visible yet, but he knew it would've bloomed purple by dawn if it weren't for his natural healing ability.
And that would be the least of his problems.
Because waiting like some obedient guard dog was Axel.
The Beta followed calmly beside him, his posture deceptively casual, though his eyes flicked toward Lucian with that irritating mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Lucian didn't break stride as he continued walking down the corridor.
But alas, the Beta wasn't silent for long.
"I take it you're not pleased with the Alpha King's orders," Axel remarked, his voice taut.
Lucian's nostrils flared.
Not pleased? That was laughable.
He was enraged. Humiliated. He felt manipulated like some pawn on a board he should've been controlling.
