Silence stretched in the little hall-like room after my insistence, after my declaration, heavy as a shroud.

The crackle of the torches against the stone walls felt louder than breaths, louder than hearts. My stomach gave a low rumble then, embarrassing in the stillness, but I did not flinch.

It was a mere human phenomenon. I justified, still holding the lycan’s king’s gaze steadily. I couldn't tell what he was thinking?

Diana clutched my left hand tightly, her fingers almost trembling though she tried to mask it. I squeezed back, not for her sake alone, but for mine. Whatever the king was planning, we would triumph. After all, didn’t they...