Kallias commanded frost to gather in Elise’s feet and froze her in place. She tried to stand, but her teeth chattered through the cold. “You know very well what I am talking about, traitor.”

Elise swallowed. “My heart is loyal to you and you only.”

“Is it?” he snarled. “Should I carve it out to inspect where its true loyalties lie, Beta Elise?”

She gasped, but closed her mouth when she beheld the Alpha King’s icy gaze.

“You think spinning lies of Blood Seers and you being my childhood friend will redeem yourself in my eyes?” He was now circling her like prey, like how Kallias does to enemies. “Nice...