"Leave us," Conaan said, turning away from Meredith.

There was silence for an uncomfortable minute, before the council elders slowly started to troop out one by one, leaving Anderson, Conaan, Eleanor and Meredith behind closed doors.

Conaan gave a small sigh, and Eleanor suddenly turned and started to walk towards the door.

"It does not include you, Eleanor."

She stopped, swallowing. "I do not think I want to stay here."

"Why? You do not want to know what happened to your end of the mate bond?"

She turned to Conaan whose face was icy. He knew well to tuck his emotions safely under that facade, and not even her could...