Not All Heroes Are Guiltless

Chapter 74 (Part 1)

Chapter 74

Aela’s POV

I open my eyes with a silent alertness to my surroundings. The room is dark and quiet, and I can hear Andrew snoring from the other side of the bed. I stare at him, and hatred fills me, and I can’t even move. The spell is held on too tight, and I can feel my energy has drained me in its attempt against the strands. I glance away and run through the mantras my mother taught me. After a few minutes I’m able to stand up and move away from him. I pick up the discarded clothes and leave the bedroom. I walk into the study and pace back and forth, trying to clear my head.

I rest my hand on my neck, and I’m stricken with shock. The elaborate necklace from my mate is different. I look down and see a gold chain and an amulet with my mother’s crest with a ruby and pearl inset around the edge.

Curious. When the tendril appeared, I didn’t feel any other magic or enchantments within the item. But then, maybe the submissive control spell has blocked all the abilities I inherited from my Lupine heritage. It should have been my first warning.

My heart pains me as I think back over last night. I rub the amulet, and that’s when I see a slight luminescent glow from behind a portrait. I rush over and move the frame and see a light with the same symbol embedded into the wall.