I stared at the closed door, heart still pounding. The tribe chief's clenched fists outside told me everything. She had planned this. Every single second.
"Ryker," I said quietly, not looking at him yet. "Stay right there."
He froze, ears twitching. Good. I needed him steady for what came next.
I pushed the door open. The tribe chief tried to slip inside with a fake concerned smile, but Azrael blocked her like a wall. "Raven wants answers first."
Her eyes narrowed at me. "What is this about? I already explained the accident—"
"Accident?" I cut her off, stepping closer. My voice didn't shake this time. "I saw the twig. I saw your hands guiding his to your cheeks. And that little smile when I walked in? You wanted me to see it."
The room went dead silent.
Ryker's eyes widened behind me. "What?"
The chief laughed, but it sounded forced. "You're imagining things because you're jealous. Beast-men are loyal, but maybe you don't deserve one."
