claimd and

“What the hell is going on here?” Rygan’s voice roared as he trudged fast to where the elders and Elise were, putting himself. in between them as he turned to check on Elise, his hand sliding on her cheeks.

“You have no right to touch the guest of your king. Elder Adeline, he snarled, making the elders shift back and shudder in

fear.

“She is rogue Alpha Rygan, a wicked rogue who tried to kill my daughter, and you think I’d settle down? I want her banished or punished right this instant; my child cannot be on a sick bed, and she is standing unscathed!”

“Like I told you, no one touches her.”

*Rygan, please stop, she says, telepathically making the alpha freeze. It would just get worse if you were trying to protect me; it won’t look good if their alpha is trying to protect someone who hurt one of their own, especially his betrothed mate.

“There has to be a punishment, Alpha,” but Adeline’s words were cut short when Vienna came out of the room, all their attention now pinned on her.

“She is awake.” Vienna announced, and they all rushed to the room. Rygan stayed back. “Go, please Elise urged him to go

with them.

Elise stayed by the door as she watched Alvira awake on the bed and her head gently propped against a few pillows. The cut behind her head was clean, so there were no other injuries or damage, as Elise had thought Alvira’s gaze first met hers, and she could see a dark intent in it before Alvira faced her mother.

“Oh dear, oh my dear, you’re ok!” Adeline exclaimed, “Imagine if Rygan wasn’t there to save you; that witch would have gotten away with it; she needs to be punished” Her mother added.

Rygan snarled once again, making Alvira’s mother gasp with a jump as she held tight to her daughter. As she cleared her throat, Alvira showed a tired, weak smile, like she’d practiced saying this.

“It was a mistake, I’m sure it was; we just had a little argument; isn’t that right, Elise?” She turned to the door, and they all did; their judging eyes and hateful scents filled the air from looking at Elise.

15:36 Sun, Sep 1 GB G.

This was what Alvira wanted–to look like the most perfect angel who could do no wrong and make Elise look like the jealous villain.

“I’ve checked on her; it was a minor concussion,” Vienna tried to add to lessen the stress that Elise was experiencing, but the elder just hissed in response.

“Don’t try to demean my daughter’s pain; she will be checked better by our in–house healers back at our home, your healer doesn’t know what she is talking about.”

“I assure you, Vienna is the best one in this pack.” Tazmin’s voice echoed from the hallway. Elise looked up to see that Tazmin had just arrived; he and Kaide had gone out to scour the territory with the delta troops..

Taz walked in, and Vienna couldn’t help but hide her blush from Tazmin speaking on her behalf, which shut the elder up.

Rygan was trying his best not to disrespect the elder since Elise Had begged him not to do anything rash. In these types of situations, the mind–body bond was quite useful, especially since only they knew about it.

“I heard what happened as soon as I and my team got back. Kaide is still on the outer border patrol, and it will take a day for him to be back. How are you holding up. Alvira‘ Taz called, and Alvira nodded.

“I’m good, and like I said. let’s not stop everything we’ve been planning on my account, and let’s leave the punishments,” she

adds

“She doesn’t even want to apologize to you for it!” One Elder says, and Elise had to push her nails into her skin to stop herself from speaking out. Because she didn’t do anything. She didn’t push Alvira, but no one would believe that. She wondered if Taz or Kaide would believe that she did it.

“Enough: we have the Rites ball by tomorrow evening Alvira stands up, making sure to show how unsteady and dizzy she was playing the part of the damsel in distress as she walks to Elise, reaching out her hand to Elise for a peaceful handshake.

“Isn’t that right, Elise?” She calls with an innocent smile. Elise just stares at her hand, wondering if she should take it, but it would do more harm than good if she didn’t.

Alvira’s grip on her hand was strong and dangerous, her eyes showing wicked mischief. “Perfect. I can’t wait to see you at the ball tomorrow, especially with all I have planned, Elsie. You will love it; it’s a real night to remember.”

It made Elise feel on edge as she watched Alvira and her family leave the room. She couldn’t help but wonder, What was she planning!

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