IVAN'S POV
But of course, that wasn't all. Elder Ilyas was given a second item by a different guard—a moon-carved rod with crystal chimes.
The sound it made set wolves' teeth on edge—Revierre had used it before when testing the strength of the previous temperance spell. It was like a needle threaded through a nerve.
"Beta Francis?" Ilyas turned to him. "You are his closest ally. And we believe you are in the best position to trigger stimuli."
Francis chuckled. "The least you can be is honest if you're going to be cowards. This is not the honor you present it to be—you're scared he'd rip you apart. If you're provoking him, you'll do it yourselves."
I almost smiled. The elders didn't.
Elder Halden's eyes narrowed on Francis. "Where is your loyalty if you'd easily cower from your alpha?"
Francis shrugged. "My loyalty is a tad shy today. Where is yours, Elder Halden?"
"You insolent—"
