avy. It is thick with a mixture

igh and arched ceiling and cast dancing patterns on the ea

re. The frames of its giant pillars are formed by hand-hewn logs reaching for the roof. Wattle and daub drape the spaces b

th hair the color of burnished copper and eyes perpetually wide with apprehension. This time around, she broke a teacup. Her hand

braids. Her posture was ramrod straight, her chin held high with a defiant glint in her dark eyes. She was c

u want true grief. Right?" Alpha Hamsa grumbl

ute and sa

ed, pelting her cheek with a slap that

ce in her palms, her eyes down to th

feel blood streak through my veins. It's the typic

th, forcing a smile that felt more like a gr

and a temper quick to flare. He wore a fur-lined cloak that seemed to belong to some magnificent beast, its thick pelt a stark contrast to the rough-spun tunics of the m

d, his voice deep and

we

d his brows

odd

. "Do you understa

ng in my ears. The air around him crackled with a strange energy, a

ine. His breath, hot and reeking of stale ale, washed over me, sending a wave of nau

the Alpha, but back in my old life, I was the daughter of someone powerful. One accustomed to respect and deference. W

srespect," I retorted, my voice surprisingly ste

maining maids. Their eyes widened in pe

em with just a raise of a finger. His eyes narrowed into slits, and a vein throbbing visibly in his

For a moment, I thought I might faint. But something dee

ations, my Lord. I plead your..." I

eir hands tightening on their swords. The other maids huddled together, their fac

terical laughter. It wasn't a sound of amusement, but rat

ering in his eyes. "You see. That can be a valuable asset in the worst chaos but it is a treacherou

ue got

od frozen, their eyes darting nervously between me and the Alpha. Tara, howev

nced, his voice regaining its gruff authority.

t. I could literally see him tighten the grip on the sword stuck to his robust fist. Putting up a resistance

aloud again. "Remember your duties. Maintain order, keep

y Lord," and scurried out of the longhouse like frightened rabbits. Only Tara lingered for a moment, her ey

as alone with Alpha Thorne and his two emotionless guards

name hung i

ned for me? A punishment for my defiance?

e worried glances, his voice erupted again. "Yo