244

CARSON

A sweet aroma permeated the dining room. I inhaled the scent of meat and seasoning that hung in the air, causing my mouth to water. Although it was a stark contrast to the deep frown that sat on everyone's face, especially my father and Axel’s.

Tonight, the air was thick with tension. It was one of those nights when we had to sit through a meal with my father. The last few days have been a roller coaster. We did our best to avoid him because he brought up the marking issue at every opportunity he got.

He sat at the head of the table, his gaze fixed on the three of us. My brothers sat across from me, their faces a mask of defiance. According to our father, we dared to defy the ancient laws of our pack, to go against the instruction of the gods. He said it was a mark of dishonor to go against Circe’s direction.

“You three,” he began, his voice a low rumble that caused me to sigh in frustration.

Not again!

“I see that you all have decided to go against me,” he scooped the soup int