SNAKES AND THORNS
Nicholas’ POV
There was never something that air left in the presence of Azaria-an air that was left like wildfire just after storm. I could still feel it burning though me though she had walked off.
I had no cash to pursue that fire.
Not now.
I had gone out of the courtyard, my jaws set, my mind rambling. The pieces were too disarranged: there were too many shadows between truth and illusion.
I needed answers.
I needed control.
And so, when I returned to the alpha palace, I didn’t bother with niceties. I went straight to the lower council chamber, where only the trusted few were allowed.
I pressed my palm to the sigil-locked door.
It opened with a hiss.
Inside, stone walls wrapped around glowing maps and magical tracking orbs. This wasn’t the usual war room—it was the covert one. Where silent moves were made without noise or banners.
“Commander,” the sentinel at the helm greeted, straightening when he saw me. “Your orders?”
“Activate the outer ring,” I said, voice s
