Theron POV
That night, I watched her through the scrying glass.
Elara. Standing alone in her room. Staring at the frost on her window. She knew I was watching. Could probably feel my attention like a physical touch.
Good.
The council meeting had been... entertaining. Watching my spy exposed. Watching Kaelen scramble to protect her while still appeasing his terrified pack.
But the outcome was perfect.
She was cleared of murder. But still trapped. Still caged. Still desperate.
Exactly where I needed her.
"My lord." Dorian's voice came from the doorway. He hadn't returned to Nightspire yet. Still playing his role at Moonscar. "The council voted to keep her under guard. She cannot leave the summit."
"I heard." I smiled. Didn't look away from the glass. "Kaelen thinks he's protecting her. He's actually making my job easier."
"How so?"
