Serena’s POV
The silence in the courtyard was heavy, thick enough to choke on. My father looked as if he might faint. His eyes darted frantically between the Lycan King and me. His face was a mask of pure terror. Alaric remained perfectly still. His eyes scanned me with a cold detached indifference that made my skin prickle.
"Grey," Alaric said. His voice was deep and smooth like a stone rolling over gravel. He did not take his eyes off me. "I was not aware that your servants were permitted to stand in the driveway during a royal inspection. Have your help cleared away at once."
I felt a surge of hot bitter anger. I stepped forward. My boots crunched loudly on the gravel. "I am not a servant," I said. My voice was sharp and clear, cutting through the tense air of the courtyard.
Alaric
