Chapter 138

Adelaide

“You’re stubborn,” I said. “I’ll give you that.”

Violet squealed loudly in Claire’s arms, making Jane giggle. “I think she likes you.”

Claire looked down as she brushed her fingers over Violet’s soft cheeks. “And I like you too, Violet.”

It went quiet.

My breath hitched as I turned to Elyx. Was he serious? My eyes shifted to everyone in the room, but no one dared to say a word—not even James.

It had always been like that.

Back in the day, he might’ve been the leader of the Elite Team—but even then, no one dared to go against Elyx.

Mostly because he was too stubborn and too full of himself.

“I don’t know why the two of you fled,” Elyx continued. “I assume it has something to do with your mother, who has been harassing us for years. But Alaric has a duty to his people, and they need him.”

I took a small breath.

Mom…so she had been looking for me.

I wanted to ask about her, about Esther—but now was certain