Marcus heard Evelyn outside the records room.
Her words carried through the open door: whenever duty cost her something personal, Albert’s choice came back to her.
Albert emerged moments later.
Albert stopped when his gaze found Marcus.
Neither man spoke.
Grief stripped the Alpha’s face of rank, leaving only a man carrying a truth that had arrived too late.
Marcus stepped aside.
Albert passed without acknowledging him.
Marcus continued toward the western armory, but Evelyn’s words stayed with him.
Want and necessity.
He understood the discipline required to separate them.
He was beginning to understand the price.
The inspection had begun by the time he entered.
Marcus wore a short military coat and leather bracers, his sword arm free. He had come to inspect weapons.
Captured
