His whole body went rigid, his wolf's energy pulling tight beneath his skin.
"After the pack lost its territories, Lily left her position and crossed into foreign lands. I haven't had any contact with her in three years."
"Did she come after you while I was in the holding cells? If she did, I swear I'll make her pay—"
I grabbed his arm and let out a soft laugh. "Relax. I was kidding."
"Killing a pack member without Council judgment is forbidden, you know."
"You just got out of the binding den. You think I'd let you go back?"
"I was just teasing."
I turned away, lowering my eyes as I reached for something. He couldn't see my expression.
He thought it was really just a joke. I heard him exhale with relief.
"Lyra, I'm sorry."
"These three years... you must have suffered so much."
I didn't turn around. But in my heart, I was thinking:
It's fine.
Your reckoning is coming.
After Alaric's release, I started visiting the territory infirmary more and more frequently.
Pack Healer Rowan Ashenvale looked at me over his spectacles. "Are you really not going to tell your pack?"
"This isn't some minor ailment. Your mate has a right to know."
I shook my head with a faint smile.