CHAPTER EIGHTY FIVE
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CHAPTER EIGHTY FIVE
Talia’s POV
The banquet hall pulsed with music and voices. Warm light shone across stone walls and silver tters. Wolves from every territory were in their finest suits and ball gowns, while servants wove between them with trays of food and wine.
At the head stood my father, the Alpha King. Even on such a rxed night, people turned toward him, waiting for him to speak. When he raised his ss, the room went still.
“Tonight, we celebrate strength, but also unity,” he said. “The Rite reminds us we are bound not just by rivalry, but by the Moon Goddess and by one another through alliances and friendship.”
Apuse followed. Others believed while some had practiced smiles. Yes, the Rite was about deepening friendships, but this was also an opportunity for others to gain the advantage on other packs.
I stood with Solon and De near the center of the hall. Solon’s posture was rigid as if he was overthinking an issue. He leaned toward me and said, “Talia, you should withdraw from the Rite.”
I red at him and said, “Father already approved.”
“Still, you are not at full strength,” Solon added.
“Say that again, and I’ll assign you every southern case for the next three months. You’ll drown in work before you even make it midway through the first month,” I warned.
Deughed, nearly spilling her champagne. “She’s right, Solon. You know Talia doesn’t change her mind once it’s set.”
Solon pinched the bridge of his nose. The familiar gesture softened me for a moment, but his tone stayed weary. You two are impossible.” His eyes cut back to me, sharper now. “I am only saying it because I have a bad feeling about it. At least promise me that you’ll monitor your stamina. Don’t push yourself past your limits.”
I was not used to Solon being worried, especially not for me. I wanted to argue with him, but I could tell from his expression that he really needed me to promise him. I nodded and said, “I promise.”
“You better be telling me the truth, Talia. If not, I will drag you back to the infirmary myself,” Solon warned.
I rolled my eyes and asked, “Would you really embarrass me like that?”
“Of course, even if it means keeping you safe. Don’t test me, Talia,” Solon answered.
“Fair enough,” I muttered. I didn’t need any additional humiliation.
“(
Across the room, Jason stood with Henry and two of his warriors. Once again, he looked arrogant and overconfident. He never learned from his past experiences. Not far away, Nn leaned against a marble column. A wine ss in his hand as his gaze swept the crowd. He was watching like a predator sizing up prey.
Unease curled in my stomach. Both were dangerous. Both had reason to be here for the Rite, If either moved against the other, or worse against my father, the celebration would go up in mes. I would have to keep my eye on both and hope our security was vignt,
I turned away, meaning to set down my ss and focus on food, but a shadow at the far doorway caught my
attention.
Someone lingered just outside the light. The posture was very familiar. The person moved and I could clearly see
CHAPTER FIGHTY ONE
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them before they drifted back into the shadows.
Viki?
No, it couldn’t be her. She was supposed to be dead.
This had to be a trick of the light, but I had a nagging feeling that it wasn’t. I was without my wolf, but I wasn’t
blind.
“Solon,” I said quickly. “I need to step out for a bit.”
He turned, already frowning. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
“I need some air.” I set my ss on a passing tray before my hand betrayed its shake. “Just a moment.”
“Now? In the middle of the banquet?”
“Yes. I’ll be back quickly. I just need a moment.”
“Are you not feeling well?” Solon asked suspiciously.
“No, it’s not that. I just need air,” I replied.
Solon motioned to a nearby guard. The guard approached and bowed slightly to Solon, “Yes, Prince Solon?”
“Escort her. Do not leave her side,” Solon ordered.
The guard bowed. “Yes, Prince Solon.”
I wanted to fuss at Solon. I didn’t need a guard, but I didn’t want to cause a scene. If it was Viki, having a guard wasn’t a bad idea.
“I’ll return before anyone notices I’m gone,” I said.
“Be quick about it before Father notices,” Solon said.
I turned before he could press further. The shadow at the door was already moving. I caught ast glimpse of her slipping out of the venue.
Each step away from the crowd made my heartbeat louder. I wanted to believe that stress from training was making me see things, but as soon as that sickening sweet perfume hit my nose, I knew the truth.
It was her.
And I had to follow.
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