A knock interrupted their conversation.

Morvienne, who had been talking about her day while Kael responded in between, stopped as the knock came again, causing his attention to shift.

"Come in," he commanded, his voice regaining that effortless, resonant authority.

The door creaked open to reveal a maid. The maid stood like a statue, her eyes lowered in a gesture of ingrained deference.

"Alpha," she murmured. "The head warrior is here to see you. He is waiting in the living room."

Kael gave a single, curt nod. "Very well."

With a fluid, practiced bow, the maid retreated and closed the door.

Kael turned back to Morvienne. The transition was instantaneous....