The storm outside had subsided into a low, perpetual drizzle, leaving the central courtyard of Vaugard Manor.
Inside the grand study, the fireplace crackled softly, casting dancing amber shadows across the dark obsidian desk and the surrounding floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
Lalaine stood before the desk, holding a single, neatly folded piece of parchment. Her gray linen dress was plain, but her posture was unyielding, her spine straight and her head held high. Resting against her collarbone beneath her dress was her father’s silver signet ring, hanging securely from its chain.
Across the desk sat Alpha Wilrhic.
His massive frame was clad in a dark wool tunic, his heavy leather gloves resting flat on the stone surface. The terrifying iron mask gleamed in the firelight, its carved wolf
