Michaela
An avalanche of sound rushed through the crowd – gasps and cries, angry shrieks and deep growls. Whatever they had expected, it wasn’t for me to firmly proclaim my innocence. Tears flashed in Maya’s eyes, blankness covered Ylva’s face, and I glimpsed something strange darkening Kristin’s expression.
Whether Andreas was surprised or disappointed or even viciously delighted, I couldn’t guess. He had retreated completely behind the noble, stony mask of his Alpha role.
The guards behind me shoved me down to my knees. Without looking away from me, Andreas reached out a hand to his Beta. Ylva passed him a thick collar made of delicately woven, braided metal. It was almost beautiful in the morning light – if I didn’t know what it was for.
Suddenly, I realised that Ylva and Andrea
