Cassian POV
Quillan’s gaze lingered on me, probing for cracks, waiting for the slightest twitch that might betray something hidden. But I gave him nothing no flinch, no tell. I watched the exact second his hope drained, when he realized he wouldn’t be prying me open, and he let the matter drop in silence.
I leaned in, taking my chance to move things forward.
“That’s all I have to say about Arixen,” I said, voice clipped and firm. “What happens in my pack is mine to handle, Quillan. I don’t take kindly to you sniffing around where you don’t belong. I doubt you’d welcome me doing the same with Northern affairs, would you?”
He exhaled, palms lifting in a measured, placating gesture.
“He came to me, Cassian. I didn’t seek him out.” His voice stayed steady, but there was a persistence bene
