Ariana's POV
“Dear, I’ve called you to discuss something very important,” Mother said.
I sat opposite her in the chair, the tea on the table untouched, and from the look of things, neither of us would be reaching for our cups anytime soon.
“Are you still worried about why Alpha Marco hasn’t told you about the deed?” I asked slowly.
“Worried" is too deep a word. I’d say I’m concerned. I was a little vexed when we had the discussion some days back, but now I’m calm—and my mind is as clear as the—”
“I think I can understand that,” I said, and Mother smiled at me.
She reached for her cup but didn’t lift it. Instead, her finger just circled the rim while her gaze drifted somewhere else.
I couldn’t really understand it, but these past few days, I’d noticed Mother had been off—her actions,
