(Audrey's POV)
The tension in Elder Shadowcrest's sitting room was thick enough to cut with claws. Emma stared daggers at Florian while Arthur maintained his protective stance. I stood awkwardly to the side, wishing I could disappear into the floor.
"The connection seemed obvious," Emma said, her voice dripping with venom. "Of course Arthur would arrange both a mate marking ceremony and a mate bond severance so quickly." She gestured toward me with a dismissive flick of her hand. "Otherwise, I couldn't be worse than Audrey Winter, could I?"
I bit my tongue to keep from responding. Why was I being dragged into this argument? I hadn't said a word.
Florian opened his mouth, no doubt to deliver another scathing remark, when a Beta wolf rushed into the room, saving us all from further confrontation.
"Luna Shadowcrest has returned to the main den," he announced with a slight bow.
Emma's face lit up instantly. "Mother's back!" She quickly dabbed at the tea stains on her blouse, straight
