ASTRID'S POV:
We walked back into the room together.
The moment I crossed the doorway, the memory hit me again — the shadow in the corner, the voice near my ear, the weight of someone stronger than me.
I wrapped my arms around myself.
The beta positioned himself beside the door, back straight, eyes fixed forward like a statue.
Minutes passed.
The room felt different now. Smaller. Colder.
Sleep was impossible.
"Did you see anyone pass?" I asked quietly.
"No."
"Smell anyone?"
"No."
That sent a chill down my spine.
Because I hadn't smelled him either.
And werewolves always left a scent.
Unless…
I pushed the thought away.
"You don't talk much, do you?" I said.
"I was told not to."
"By Desmond?"
"Yes."
Of course.
"Do all the Alpha Kings give the same orders?" I asked.
"Yes."
That was interesting.
The silence returned, stretching longer this time.
"You're not scared?" I asked.
"I am terrified," he admitted.
I almost smiled.
"At least you're honest."
