ISABEL POV

I recognized the voices now. The first, harsh and domineering, belonged to Alaric, Xavier's inner circle, a man who had once been charming and persuasive when he first found me after I ran away from my mating ceremony, now a viper in the guise of a wolf. The second voice, smoother and more cunning, belonged to Cedric, a man known for his quiet strength and unwavering loyalty. But now, their words were a betrayal, a dagger plunged deep into my heart.

"Listen, Al, it doesn't make sense. Don't you ask questions when you are given these useless instructions?" the second person said, his voice filled with frustration.

I...