The warmth and affection that once filled Elara's eyes when she looked at me were gone. Replaced by nothing but cold indifference. Her scent hit me then, green tea and rain-dampened linen, and there was nothing in it. No warmth. No recognition. As if I were a stranger she'd found trespassing on her territory.
She turned and bowed her head to Edric, baring the side of her throat in deference.
"He was never properly disciplined. Offending you like this is unforgivable."
Edric steadied her by the arm.
He cast me a single frigid glance.
Elara spoke again.
"Everything Ashton just offered is void. All of you still work under Edric Duskborne. Anyone who tried to sign on with Ashton just now—
"Stay behind. Thirty lashes each."
My eyes went wide.
"Elara!"
Even Edric clearly hadn't expected it.
After a beat of surprise, he turned to me with that trademark sneer of contempt.
"Then I thank the Alpha Heir for her kindness."
Edric climbed into the carriage and left.
The wolves were forced to the ground.