Elaine left the underground chamber with Marcus's warning echoing in her mind. The fate of Wolfland depends on you. Don't let feelings cloud your judgement.
She climbed the narrow stairs back to the rose garden, her legs shaking from more than just physical exertion. The crystal's protection faded as she emerged into daylight, and immediately she felt exposed.
A shadow wolf padded past, its red eyes sliding over her without interest. Thanks to the crystal's residual effects, it would only remember seeing her picking roses.
She forced herself to walk slowly, casually, back toward the palace. But her mind raced. Six months. They needed six months to gather the ritual components. Six months of lying to Kael. Six months of sharing his bed while planning his death.
Could she do it? Could sh
