selves. Their voices, a mixture of complaints about Kael, formed a chaotic blend of everyth

If you did your job properly, old friend, we wouldn't be here.' "They attack us

add fuel to the fire just yet. Let them argue. Let them doubt. A

is amber eyes blazed at him from the head of the table. I know exactly what we h

ilric almost laughed. He knew

to undermine you." "You're doin

didn't speak. It was time to talk, Vilric decided.

focus on the root of the issue.' We allowed an outsider to return, and the

yes narrowing. 'She

She is to the rest of us.'

sharpened. "

rer his words. He sighed as if he didn't want t

t followed. Mora spoke first,

ith suspicion as she repeated. "

concerned. "Exactly," Vilric said, tiltin

surd." It was simple, almost casual, and yet it sounded disgusted in

ic asked. Kael looked back over his shoulde

accusing this, demanding that. Kael's fists formed tigh

d over at the council, then at Vilric. "You have

k. "Very well, Alpha. As they say,

ded to do now was wait until it took root. When it tore the pack apart, Kael w

evening. He had plans, plans that were more satisfying than the last.

alone, and she stood staring into the distance. Vilric's smile widened. She looked

ana?" His voice echoed off

she noticed him, and she spu

ying, "Only to talk." "Lately, you've

said coldly. "A

feet away, Vilric asked. T

tightening. Lowering his voi

, it's only a matter of tim

arp. 'You should know.' "Yo

Vilric chuckled. "Perhaps. My lies have

Satisfied, he turned and walked away. They wer

as palpable. Stood at the head of the table was Kael, whose expression was hard

silence. We mus

ind of silent exchange occurred between

raction.' "Liana is not the thr

er asked. "If she's hiding something, i

o you hear yourselves? "It's a rumor; you

ic said, "Rumo

ooked at Liana again, but she said nothing; her f

nly one solution. Liana will ha

ooked like he was ready to fight. But then he hesitated. He looked at the co

sed. 'This is an

sion and closed his eyes for a moment. His voice

will

but Liana didn't budge. Her gray ey

'You're throwing me out.' "Ever

e couldn't. Its weight

tsteps belonging to the quiet. With satisfied eas

sour. He couldn't get the feeling out of his head that he

someone waiting for her