MAEVE'S POV
I hadn't been inside Ivan's rooms since I left Ash Creek five years ago.
Now, being back inside the deeply masculine space, I hardly had the time to take in the changes in décor and furniture.
All I cared about was the gravity of the risk I was taking and how much it would be worth it if I could just manage to get my hands on the black book.
On my way here, the guards were scarce. Like most of the castle, they were out watching Ivan's final test.
A part of me wished I was there too, but it was either that or finding the black book. I had made my choice.
The few guards I did stumble upon didn't question my confident steps toward the Alpha's chambers. Instead, they only bowed in reverence and subtle fear. Who knew what that was about?
This wasn't the first—or only—time the house servants had greeted me with that mix of prestige and fear recently. In fact, the only one who still spoke to me freely was Theresa, Lydia's trembling maid.
