"What have you done?"

Elowen’s question still hung in the air.

The playful curve on her lips had disappeared completely as she began walking towards him. Each step was slow and her heels echoed against the floor.

Theron did not move, his eyes following her.

Seren, however, was shaking. Her hands trembled in front of her, and she struggled to steady her breathing. She could feel Elowen’s gaze slicing through her like a blade.

Elowen stopped only a step away from Theron. She tilted her head slightly, studying him. "I asked you a question, brother."

Theron’s eyes remained indifferent. "You are overthinking it."

Her brows lifted.

"She stumbled into me," he continued calmly. "That is why my scent is on her."

Seren’s eyes widened slightly, but she kept her head lowered. Her fingers pressed tighter against her dress as if afraid the fabric would slip away from her.

Elowen’s gaze slowly shifted to Seren. She stepped past Theron and circled her once, her expression unreadable.

"Is that so?" she murmured almost tauntingly.

Seren swallowed hard, her legs threatening to give out.

Theron’s voice cut through the silence. "Must you interrogate a servant over something so trivial?"

Elowen stopped in front of Seren and lifted her chin with one finger. "Trivial?" she whispered, her eyes narrowing.

The corridor fell silent once more.

"Elowen," Theron warned quietly.

She ignored him.

"Anyone could misunderstand when they perceive such a scent," she said lightly. "Especially now, when the elders and pack members are searching for flaws."

Her gaze returned to Seren’s face, and she noticed Seren was still avoiding her eyes.

Elowen’s finger, still beneath her chin, pressed slightly upward. "Look at me."

Seren’s lashes trembled before she slowly lifted her gaze.

Elowen’s voice softened, almost gentle. "I hope I am merely overthinking this... and that nothing truly happened."

Seren’s throat tightened. "Y-Yes, my princess."

Elowen studied her carefully. Her eyes drifted downward, looking at how her throat moved up and down, but then stilled as something caught her eyes. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

A faint scar was visible at the edge of Seren’s chest, barely noticeable, as though it had once been deeper but was now fading.

Elowen’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Without another word, she let go of Seren abruptly. She cleaned her hands on her dress as though she had touched something dirty and turned around.

She brushed past Theron and began walking toward her chambers, her expression unreadable.

Theron sensed the shift immediately. He reached out and grabbed her wrist. "Elowen."

She stopped.

Slowly, she turned her head. Her eyes lowered to his hand gripping her, then lifted to meet his gaze.

Theron did not release her immediately.

His eyes searched hers carefully, wondering if she had caught anything suspicious.

He had made sure Seren healed properly before stepping out. The marking had been treated and concealed. There was no way it would be revealed so easily.

"Is everything alright?" he asked calmly.

However, Elowen’s eyes rolled slightly before she pulled her hand away from him roughly.

"Why wouldn’t everything be fine?" she replied, a faint sarcasm slipping into her tone. "It is not like whatever you do is my business."

’That was a lie.’ Her wolf howled in her ears, and she sneered inwardly.

’I would let him think I believed him. Let him relax and lower his guard. Then I would use it against him and my brothers in the council room.’ She thought, a wicked plan slowly building in her head.

Her gaze shifted to Seren.

Seren was still staring at the floor, her hands clenched tightly in front of her.

’Suspicious.’ Elowen bit her lips.

Elowen could also perceive the heavy ointment layered over her skin. It was strong enough to dull the scent.

Seren could never afford something like that. Elowen was sure about that.

Her eyes narrowed slightly as her interest piqued but she quickly placed a warm smile on her lips.

"We should not dwell on such a trivial matter," she said lightly.

Her eyes lowered to the letter in Theron’s hand. "You must have more pressing matters to attend to, brother."

Theron’s eyes widened slightly.

Almost instantly, he shifted the letter behind his back. He cleared his throat softly. "It is not that urgent."

Elowen nodded slowly.

She knew him too well.

He was lying.

Without pressing further, she turned and began walking towards her chamber. As she passed the guards, she signalled with her fingers to Seren. "Come."

Seren stiffened before following.

"You may attend whatever you wish to do, brother," Elowen added over her shoulder. "We are about to have a little discussion. No men allowed."

Theron’s eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion flashing through them. His fingers clenched tightly around the letter as a dull headache pressed against his temples.

’She is up to something.’ His gut screamed at him.

He watched Seren’s retreating figure. Then, making sure Elowen was not looking, he stepped forward and grabbed Seren’s hand.

Her head snapped up in shock. Panic filled her eyes as she glanced toward Elowen’s chamber.

Theron quickly released her. "I only wanted your attention," he said quietly. "Do not worry too much. I will deliver this letter and return for you."

His gaze hardened slightly. "Do not slip anything."

Seren gulped nervously.

He gave her a small smile before hurrying down the corridor.

Inside the chamber, hidden behind the door, Elowen stood silently.

Her narrowed eyes shifted toward the curtain ahead.

"Busted," she murmured.

.

.

.

Theron rushed down the corridor, his steps quick and uneven. The maids along the way bowed and greeted him, but he did not spare them a glance. His heart was beating loudly against his chest.

He had wasted time. Taking Seren to Elowen had been a mistake.

’If Elowen had noticed something... if she questioned Seren further...’ His jaw tightened as the thought crossed his mind.

Soon, the Council Hall came into view. The guards standing outside immediately pulled the large doors open for him, lowering their heads in respect.

Theron stepped inside breathing heavily.

Ahead of him, Aeron was seated on the Alpha’s chair. The twenty-four elders sat on both sides of the long table, their expressions stern and unreadable.

Aeron’s eyes looked dull. His hands were clasped together beneath his nose, and he seemed to be deep in thought.

Without thinking further, Theron’s voice echoed through the hall.

"Brother-"

Before he could continue, hurried footsteps sounded behind him. A guard rushed inside, breathing heavily.

"The enemy has infiltrated the border!" he yelled. "They are killing people within our territory!"

The hall fell silent as all the elders turned towards the guard.

Aeron’s eyes slowly lifted.