Hades
Kael's expression didn't shift, but his silence spoke volumes.
He didn't believe me.
He doubted me.
Worse, I was doubting myself.
The very idea gnawed at me.
"Do you take me for a fool?" I hissed, stepping forward. "This is not affection. It's a bond forged from blood and prophecy, not sentiment."
Kael's eyes flicked to the crushed paper in my hand, then back to me. "Of course, Your Majesty."
His tone was neutral, but I heard the undercurrent of doubt.
I despised it.
My heartbeat was still too fast, my breath too shallow.
I forced the images from my mind, burying them under ice.
This wasn't desire.
This wasn't love.
It was strategy. Power.
Ellen was the missing piece, the key to awakening the Fenrir's Marker and unlocking a force that would bring the Silverpine wolves to their knees.
She was a weapon. My weapon.
That was all.
