My father did not accept the distinction.
“Protection is not imprisonment.”
“It becomes imprisonment when the protected person cannot leave.”
My father’s jaw tightened.
“Sabine.”
“This is not about Sabine.”
“You speak in her phrases.”
“I speak from experience.”
His gaze sharpened.
“With me?”
“With every alpha who has ever called control protection.”
The authority in him expanded.
Not a command.
A warning that one could follow.
My wolf pushed forward.
I did not lower my eyes.
The guards retreated several steps without making the movement obvious.
My father looked toward the southern road.
“What evidence did the creature leave?”
“A symbol.”
“What symbol?”
“Rhea has it.”
“Describe it.”
“A shepherd’s crook crossed by a closed eye.”
The pressure disappeared.
Darius beca
