Chapter 21

Alexei

Elder Merope turns to me with a small nod. "Alexei," she says, "raise your hand. Palm up."

I do as she says, lifting my hand in front of me. A second later, she gently takes Irene’s hand and places it in mine.

Her skin is cool and soft, and right away, something in my chest relaxes. That feeling... that peace, wraps around me again, just like it always does when she’s close.

Her hand’s trembling a little. Not much, but enough that I notice. I wrap my fingers around hers, holding her tight, just enough to let her know she’s not alone.

I lean closer, just enough so she can hear me. “You are okay,” I whisper. “You don’t have to worry about anything now.”

She doesn’t say anything, but she nods just a little, and her grip lightly tightens on mine.

Merope signals to someone, and a few seconds later, two young wolves walk forward, carrying a silver tray between them. It’s covered with a light blue cloth that shimmers under the moonlight.

When they reach us, Merope steps closer and slow