Estelle's POV
I clamped a hand over my mouth, forcing back the sound rising in my throat, and turned to run.
The carpet muffled my footsteps—but that only worked for walking. The moment I broke into a run, no thickness of carpet could hide me.
My heart hammered in my chest like prey being chased down by hounds.
I didn't look back—couldn't. I could clearly feel it: the presence of a top-tier Alpha behind me. It had paused, just for a split second.
Don't get caught. That was my only thought.
By the time I made it back to the card room, my breathing had evened out—at least on the surface.
My wolf was still whimpering inside me, uneasy, but I forced it down.
I had to stay calm. If I'd been discovered just now… I didn't dare finish the thought.
So I slipped back into my original seat.
