"The Alpha Kings can wait," I growled after Layla's report, glancing at Odessa.
She seemed calm now but I could easily tell it was a front. A mask.
Her mind was still reeling with a plethora of emotions, many of which she was intentionally locking away from me. I could feel their intensity but I couldn't feel it like it was mine.
'Odessa...' I whispered through the mate bond, but she looked away from me, clearing her throat and gesturing at Layla, who watched us silently.
"Please, lead the way, Layla. We can't keep the Elders waiting... Not with something this grave." She said with a firm voice, turning her gaze to me. "I'm fine, Kaelos. I just... I need time to process everything."
I remained still, watching as she barely brushed her hand past my shoulder before walking past me and into the hallway, nodding at Layla.
Layla's face was solemn as she cleared her throat. "Sir?"
I let out a light breath before I nodded at her and stepped out of the room with them.
.
.
