The heavy double doors of the council meeting hall opened, and Rodrigo walked in.
The entire hall fell silent. Conversations died instantly as the council members rose to their feet, their eyes following him as he strode toward the head of the long table. Rodrigo's gaze moved across their faces, taking them in one by one. His expression remained unreadable, but something dark settled behind his eyes.
Now, everything made sense. The urgency with which they had been searching for the Vothraki. They hadn't been trying to stop the curse, they all wanted to live forever.
His eyes swept over them, wondering how many of them were on his side, and how many he would have to get rid of alongside his stepmother.
"Alpha," the council greeted in unison.
Rodrigo didn't answer. He took his seat on the throne at the head of the table.
"Sit."
He ordered it quietly, and everyone sat back down.
