AUBREY'S POV "I said I'm going to train," I snapped, trying to wrench my arm from Knox's grip. His fingers stayed firmly wrapped around my bicep—not painful but unyielding. The morning sun caught on his dark hair, highlighting the tension in his jaw as he stared me down. "No, we need to talk. Now." His voice carried that alpha command that made my wolf stir, but I fought against it. The last thing I needed right now was to be alone with him, especially after everything that had happened. "Knox—" I started to protest, but he was already pulling me down the corridor. Warriors and castle staff quickly stepped out of our way, their eyes downcast. Some pretended to suddenly be interested in the ancient tapestries hanging on the stone walls, while others hurried past with heads bowed. Great.

