The ornate gates of King Declan's palace loomed before them, a stark contrast to the humble cottage Ethan had just left. As they entered, a guard, young and overly eager, took point, leading them through the bustling corridors. His gaze, however, kept flickering back to Mara, lingering on her beauty with a touch too much admiration.
Ethan's jaw clenched, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. He wasn't a possessive person by nature, but the way this stranger ogled Mara made his wolf growl deep within him. Finally, unable to contain himself any longer, he stopped the guard in his tracks.
"That's enough," Ethan growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Just point us towards the hall, alright?"
The guard, startled by the sudden shift in Ethan's demeanor, stammered an apology and scurried ahead, avoiding their gaze altogether. Mara, sensing Ethan's tension, squeezed his arm gently, a silent apology for the unwelcome attention.
