ELVIE
We all turned toward the door as it creaked open. Standing there, looking stunned, was former Gamma Brandon. The moment he saw us—me, my parents, and Simon—his eyes widened in shock. He hadn’t expected to see us here.
I glanced quickly at my father, Beta Arnold, who narrowed his eyes at Brandon, clearly irritated. His voice was calm but carried an underlying tension. "Didn’t the servant tell you that the Alpha already has guests?" he asked, not hiding his displeasure.
Brandon hesitated, his eyes moving from us to Alpha Jerry, who sat at his desk, staring blankly into space. Something about his posture was unsettling, almost lifeless. Brandon’s brow furrowed, and he stepped further into the room, his concern clear on his face.
"I—I'm sorry," Brandon said, his voice full of conf
