Chapter 75

“The den mother is talented in her own ways, but until now she has always kept them to herself, where they belong.” The old woman looked to the alpha. “And she runs Netya ragged. The girl barely has a moment to herself. I never pushed any of my apprentices so hard.”

“You see?” Khelt fumed, glaring at Netya. “The witch is filling your head with her own poison and making you suffer for it.”

He took a step closer to her, lifting back her headdress and studying her face. There were dark circles beneath her eyes. Had she grown even more skinny in his absence? His hand tightened on her shoulder in anger. Adel would not be allowed to get away with this.

“I have not suffered any more than I am willing to for the sake of my training,” she said. “Please, I do not want to cause any more upset for the pack.”

“These are her words coming out of your mouth, not your own,” Khelt said. “This is Adel’s way, Netya. You are even willing to blame yourself for what she has wrought