Alaric’s POV
The heavy silence in the room was palpable as I sat behind my desk in the study, waiting for Calix and Kane to settle into the chairs before me. The air was thick with tension, and I could practically feel the storm brewing between them.
I knew something had happened, something significant, but I hadn't yet pressed them for details. I could see it all playing out in their faces.
Calix sat back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, looking far too relaxed for my liking. His posture was casual, but the smugness in his expression was subtle, lurking just beneath the surface. He wasn’t the type to give anything away unless he wanted to.
Meanwhile, Kane was a different story altogether. He sat rigid, fists clenched, jaw tight, and his gaze locked straight ahead like he w
