Thalia stared at Alpha Aldric, her mind going blank as panic flooded through her.
She wiped her face quickly, the tears still wet on her cheeks, and dropped into a bow. "Alpha," she managed, keeping her voice steady despite the way her hands shook.
He scoffed, the sound irritated and sharp. "Why are you all alone out here? Away from everyone?"
"I wanted fresh air, Alpha." The words came out too fast. "Just needed a moment."
Aldric sniffed and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, his movements unsteady. "Well, I needed fresh air too." He gestured at her vaguely. "And now you have ruined it for me."
She blinked, confused. "I am sorry, Alpha. I did not mean to—"
"You are sorry?" He laughed, but there was no humor in it. Just bitterness and something else she could not identify. "O
