Draven.
But the next second, the fire in Meredith's gaze died as fast as it had come.
"If that is what you choose to believe, then perhaps it says more about you than it does about me," she said evenly.
Her tone was calm and quiet, yet it cut sharper than any blade. "I have no need to make fun of you, Mabel. You do that well enough yourself."
The silence that followed was heavier than any shout could have been.
Then, Mabel's lips trembled, her cheeks flushing with heat. Her shoulders were stiff as she looked away, clearly stung but unwilling to admit it.
"Alpha Draven," Gary finally broke his silence, his voice clipped but steady. "It's been over a week since my sister and I arrived already. I believe it's time for us to take our leave. So, when?"
The question hung in the air like smoke. Meredith's eyes flicked toward me, but I didn't let the weight of it touch me.
Instead, I picked up my glass of water, swirling it once before bringing it to my lips.
