Kavan POVI loathed it."My father spoke, his voice consciously impartial, to Kavan." "I was surprised to see you here."I stood up, making my face show no emotion. I could express the same sentiment. This is not a place for non-military personnel.Autumn flinched at the word, and a small, mean part of me was pleased.My father's eyes hardened. "We were just leaving. Come, Autumn."He placed a hand on her lower back, guiding her past us. As they passed, Autumn's eyes met mine for a brief moment. There was something in them—fear? Defiance? I couldn't tell. I looked away."Your Majesty?" Marcus's voice was tentative. "Shall we proceed?"I noticed that I was not moving, with my fists tightly closed by my hips. I made them unwind, disregarding the pain in my hands from digging my nails."I said yes with a clipped voice." "Let's finish this quickly."The small interrogation room was bare, with bright fluorescent lights glaring above. As I entered, the slaver, chained to the table, widened
Autumn POVAs Mathias led me away, I found myself unable to resist sneaking another look at Kavan. He was tall and authoritative, and he stood there with a face that showed no emotion. He looked past me as though I were invisible, treating me like a mere object. A sudden, sharp pain pierced through my chest, catching me off guard. I forced myself to swallow, attempting to suppress it."Autumn ?" Mathias's words interrupted my train of thought. "Are you okay?"I agreed silently, unable to trust my own words. If I were able to, what could I possibly express? Did his son's lack of warmth affect me? Did I feel a mysterious attraction to him that I couldn't understand? Was I frightened, bewildered, and directionless?Mathias examined me briefly, his eyes gentle yet probing. He was as tall as Kavan but had a wider build on the shoulders. His hair was a combination of salt and pepper colors, he was well-groomed, and he had smile lines around his eyes. He exuded a relaxed confidence that drew
Autumn POV"There, now," she said with a calming voice. "Shall we go and get you a cup of tea?"I agreed, appreciative of her peaceful demeanor. While she hurriedly made tea, I gradually started to unwind. The fear subsided, leaving fatigue behind.Mrs. Potts came back carrying a hot mug and placed it in my hands. The heat penetrated my bones, anchoring me."Okay," she said, sitting down in the chair opposite me. "Are you interested in discussing what occurred?"I paused, then carefully placed the mug on the surface. My hands gestured, creating the symbols I had mastered many years before."I have been mute," I signed. "Since I was a child."Mrs. Potts was surprised at first but then became more understanding. "You are familiar with sign language," she said, mimicking my hand movements.I nodded, relief washing over me. Finally, someone I could truly communicate with."I learned years ago," Mrs. Potts explained, her signs fluid and practiced. "My nephew is deaf. Now, tell me about th
Autumn POVI stayed up all night, watching the moon create long shadows in my room. The choice in front of me felt heavy, bearing down on my chest as if it were a tangible object. Whether to be identified or not. To commit myself to this group and to this location. Addressed to Kavan.His expression lingered in my thoughts, icy and aloof. His touch, scent, and intense gaze all mixed together in my mind, creating a confusing and alluring sensation. How can I deal with this feeling of being drawn to someone? This attraction to a man who regarded me as insignificant?As the initial rays of morning began to filter through my window, I abandoned all hope of sleeping. My thoughts moved swiftly in never-ending loops, my mind in a frenzy. I needed something to divert my attention.When I walked in, the kitchen was silent and motionless. Cookware dangled from shelves, shining in the morning sunlight. I ran my fingers across the sleek surface, inhaling the traces of yesterday's cooking.The act
Autumn POVThe idea brought a genuine smile to my face. I nodded eagerly, already reaching for containers.While we prepared the food, Mrs. Potts continued to talk constantly, replacing the quietness caused by Kavan's dramatic departure."Do not fret about him," she said while closing a pancake container. Under his icy exterior lies a kind heart. It just requires some time to get comfortable with others.I arched my eyebrow, doubtful. Mrs. Potts laughed quietly."I am aware. I am aware. It is difficult to comprehend at this moment. I have been acquainted with that boy since he was a baby. Being himself, he has had to be strong. Just because he can't learn to be kind as well.I thought about what she said as we completed the packing. Is it possible that there is warmth hidden beneath Kavan's icy demeanor? Was Mrs. Potts perceiving what she desired to see in the young boy she had assisted in bringing up?One hour later, I arrived at the entrance of a tiny cabin located on the outskirts
Autumn POVI quickly left Kavan's office, my heart beating rapidly in my chest. His touch stayed on my skin, a phantom feeling I couldn't get rid of no matter how quickly I fled. My inner wolf whined, feeling mixed up and wanting something that I couldn't—wouldn't—identify. The fresh pack connection pulsed in my thoughts, a continual memory of the recent event.I kept going until I got to my room, slamming the door shut and leaning on it. I was breathing rapidly and unevenly, with short gasps. I had to relax and ponder. However, each time I shut my eyes, Kavan's face appeared in my mind, and I could feel the warmth of his body against me.I vigorously shook my head, attempting to dispel the thoughts. This was not included in the plan. It was not possible for me to be distracted at this moment.However, when I turned and began to move away from the door, I discovered that I was not the only one present.Mathias was standing by the window, his face brightening up when he caught sight of
Autumn POVThe dining room gleamed. Crystal chandeliers threw sparkles across polished silverware. I sat across from Mathias, the table between us a vast expanse of white linen. The room was too large, too grand. It made me feel small and insignificant.Mathias lifted the decanter; his movements were smooth and practiced. "More wine, my dear?"I shook my head. The rich food sat heavy in my stomach. I didn't need alcohol to muddy my thoughts. Not when every moment here felt like walking on a knife's edge."You barely touched your food," Mathias said, his brow furrowing. "Don't you like it?"I nodded, forcing a smile. The roast was tender, and the vegetables were crisp. But each bite tasted like ash. How could I enjoy a meal when every second was a lie?Mathias poured himself another glass. The ruby liquid sloshed against the crystal. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes bright. Too bright. "You're too kind," he said. He reached across the table, his fingers brushing mine. I fought the
Autumn POVKavan's eyes narrowed. In two strides, he crossed the room. I scrambled to my feet, but he was faster. His arm shot out, caging me against the wall. The heat of him seeped into me, his scent wrapping around me like a physical thing."Interesting," he said. His voice was soft and dangerous. Like the whisper of a blade being drawn. "It seems you can speak after all."I swallowed hard. My mind raced, searching for an explanation. Any explanation. "You must have heard my voice in your mind," I said weakly. "The mate bond--""Don't lie to me." Kavan's eyes flashed gold, a wolf rising to the surface. "We both know that's not how it works."I lifted my chin, anger overriding fear. "Fine. I can talk. What of it?""What of it?" Kavan's laugh was without humor. It scraped against my nerves like sandpaper. "You've been playing us all for fools. Why? To seduce my father?""Seduce him?" I sputtered. The accusation was so absurd that I almost laughed. "I would never--""No?" Kavan leaned