Amara stopped short, her eyes widening slightly—just enough to seem surprised.
“Dealt with Marian?” she echoed, her voice delicate, touched with disbelief. One hand moved to rest lightly over her heart. “Where’s Alpha Rydan?”
As though her words summoned him, Rydan appeared from the shadows nearby. His imposing form silenced the entire group in an instant. His sharp gaze locked onto the beta warrior, suspicion flaring in his eyes.
“Why are you here instead of fulfilling your assignment?” Rydan barked. “I gave you clear instructions.”
The beta straightened, mouth parting to offer an explanation—but Amara slipped between them, speaking before he could utter a word.
“Rydan,” she said softly, her voice trembling with apparent worry as she looked up at him with wide, imploring eyes. “Is it true? Did you really have Marian punished?”
Rydan’s jaw clenched. “Yes,” he said with conviction. “She had it coming after what she did to you.”
Amara looked down, her hands clasped in front of her.
“I… I don’t hold her actions against her,” she whispered. “Maybe her anger overwhelmed her. She’s carrying a child. That must’ve clouded her thoughts.”