"No! Never!" My father looked ready to collapse. "Ashvale would never disrespect Silvercrest. We are your loyal allies. Your humble servants. Please, Alpha Thornwood, I beg your forgiveness—"
"It's not my forgiveness you should be begging for."
My father's eyes darted to me. For a moment, something ugly flickered there. Resentment. That I had somehow gained the favor of the most powerful Alpha in the region while he groveled like a fool.
But he buried it quickly.
"Juliette." He tried to smile. It looked painful. "My dear daughter. Welcome home. I apologize for any discomfort you experienced. Please, come inside. Both of you."
Lucian didn't look convinced. Neither was I.
But we followed him through the gate anyway.
And as soon as we entered, the courtyard was empty. No decorations. N
