VIKTOR'S POV

Anthony's stance instantly wavered. Eyes turned to him, questioning. He was one of the silent supporters of Verakia when he rose against me. I couldn’t touch him directly then, but it was satisfying to watch him take my bait.

"How dare you throw such a baseless accusation!" he shrieked, scrambling to regain composure.

I checked my wristwatch, patience thinning. This meeting was dragging longer than I expected, and it didn’t look like it would end anytime soon. I regretted not initiating Ariel into the pack yet. If I had, I could reach her through the mindlink. I’d already asked Aeron and Ravenna to check on her twice since...