"None of us here can grant you what you want, not even the warriors at the gate," Penelope stepped in, noticing the tension growing from Valessia's request. Zara's silence had said enough, she was caught between duty and compassion.
Although Zara was only trying to prevent Valessia from leaving, openly defying her orders in front of the maids and warriors on her first day could make Valessia's stay in the Alpha's home far more difficult than it needed to be.
"Instead of making things difficult for Zara and the rest of us…" Penelope's voice was calm but steady as she gestured around the group, including herself. "Why don't you wait for the Alpha to return? Then you can relay your request to him directly. He is the only one who can decide whether you stay or leave."
Valessia didn't respond right away. She lowered her gaze, quietly giving thought to Penelope's words, and after a moment, she couldn't deny the truth in them.
