Chapter 110. The Calm Before War

Lottie's POV

I felt my mates' gazes flick toward me more than once, their silent assessments sending a faint heat through my chest. They wanted to press closer, to slip into my mind and share my burden, but I kept my mental walls firmly in place. I feared if I let them in, they'd sense my lingering reluctance over these executions--and mistake it for weakness. So instead, I focused on Sage, telling myself that holding them at arm's length was for the best, no matter how their gentle concern tugged at the bond between us.

"Are we truly going to let Alpha Leigh and Bash, Sage?" I asked my wolf as I paced the length of the corridor. My heart felt impossibly heavy, twisted up with conflicting loyalties.

"They've left us no choice," she replied, her voice firm yet tinged with sympathy. "Alpha Leigh and Sebastian both plotted against you. The others believe death is the only way to prevent further treachery--and I happen to agree."

I clenched my jaw, pressing a ha