The torches in the east wing hallway flickered violently, throwing jagged shadows across the stone floor as the guards pushed into Mia's chamber. Their boots struck the polished tiles with practiced heaviness, a thunder of authority intended to intimidate. The door slammed against the wall, rattling the narrow windows and sending a gust of cold air through the room.
Mia sat rigidly on the edge of the bed, her pulse roaring in her ears. Her fingers curled tightly around the blanket, though she forced her face to remain neutral—expressionless, almost submissive. She knew she had to appear harmless. Helpless. Innocent.
Because only one of them had the luxury of hiding.
Behind the long, pale curtains drawn around the balcony entrance, Leon stood frozen—barely breathing. The silk fabric brushed against his shoulders. He kept his feet parted, his weight balanced, his wolf crouched inside him like a coiled animal. Xavier's energy was sharp, restless, ready to strike.
