Leaving the council room, I could still feel Jackson''s cold gaze burning into my back.


    Anger coursed through my veins. Jackson''s petty games and his constant maniption were pushing me to my limits.


    Istormed down the hallway. I was walking so fast that I barely noticed that I had collided with someone. We both bumped into each other. It was Gina. Great. Just the person I needed to see.


    She widened her eyes in surprise when she realized my presence. She smiled and bowed her head "Good day, your higherness"


    "Gina," I murmured, trying to step around her. She didn''t let me pass so easily. She stood in front of my way before I could move.


    She grinned widely "I was actually looking for you, your grace"


    I raised my eyebrow "For me? What''s the problem?"


    "Nothing. I just wanted to make sure you''re enjoying your stay in the pack"


    No, I''m not. The woman I care about has been maltreated and humiliated publicly and it''s all your fault along with Jackson''s.


    "I''m fine" I said firmly. I tried to leave but she stepped in front of me again.


    "What do you want?" I snapped at her. She touched my arm. Her hand felt cold against mine, like a thousand ants were crawling up my skin. I was irritated.


    "You look tense, your grace. Maybe I can help you rx". I felt disgusted at her attitude. Was she trying to seduce me?


    I pulled my arm away from her grasp. "I''m not interested" Her smile faltered slightly, but she pressed on, stepping closer. "Oh,e on, Alpha. We could have some fun. You need to loosen up."


    I stared at her, my expression hardening. "I said, I''m not interested. Now move!"


    Gina''s eyes shed with surprise, but she finally stepped aside "You''ll change your mind. And when you do, I''ll be right here waiting" I didn''t bother to respond.


    I pushed past her, my mood darkening even further. I needed air. I needed to clear my head.


    Without thinking, I headed outside and made my way towards the garden. The moment I stepped


    outside, Het out a deep breath


    didn''t even know I was holding looked straight ahead, trying to steady myself.


    That''s when I saw her. Elise.


    She was crouched by a flower bed. Her hands were covered in dirt as she tended to the nts. Her once shiny curly long hair was now duff and tied back in a messy knot. She had lost so much weight that her clothes hung loosely on her body..


    She moved mechanically, as if she was tired. I looked at her in disbelief.


    Elise was a queen. Why was she being punished like this?


    I didn''t realize things were so bad for her. Jackson was the biggest asshole I had


    ever met. I would make him pay for this. I promise.


    How could Jackson do this to her? How could anyone treat her this way?


    "Elise," I called softly. She looked up at me.


    As soon as she saw me, she gasped


    in surprise. For a moment, time seemed to stop. Our eyes locked


    and once again, I felt my Lycan stir I inside me. Looking at her alone sent jolts of electricity down my spine.


    "Ferris?" she whispered.