I was still half-asleep when the heavy thud of boots echoed outside the Alpha's quarters. My heart stuttered before I even knew why. Every knock in this place meant something dark, something cruel. The door opened and a guard stepped in, head bowed, voice sharp with reverence.
"Alpha, everything is ready."
The Alpha was already awake. He didn't stir like a man roused from sleep no, he moved like he had been waiting for this exact moment, as if his mind had been humming with anticipation long before dawn. He sat up slowly, deliberately, and that was enough to make my stomach twist.
Without even glancing at me, he ordered,
"Elie. Get up. You're coming with me."
A chill raced down my spine. My throat worked, but I didn't dare speak. I scrambled to my feet and followed him, the guard falling into step behind us.
