Chapter 9. The Alpha

CAIVAN

If she is surprised to see me, she does a good job hiding it. Her green eyes are as luminous as ever, and I find myself staring at them longer than I’d normally allow. I still wonder how an elf could possess such lupine eyes.

“I see our paths still cross each other’s. Good morning.”

“Where are we?” she asks sharply.

“Eldad. It is a settlement for humble folk like us, where you can rest…”

“Why were we kidnapped?”

I grin at her. “Come. See for yourself.

***

SAELYNA

He looks different. The coat’s still black as night, but his hair is slicker and everything about him seems forced. He smells like Elwyn.

I don’t trust the smile he gives me, it’s too casual, too fake. Too wolfish. I knew I’d see him again. I never imagined it would be like this. I never thought he’d be a wolfen.

I dust my bottoms as I stand up. If I have to escape, I have to give him the benefit of the doubt. And be a good actor.

“A settlement o