Whispers against me

Whispers against me

Ayla

I woke to the sound of muffled voices outside my door. For a moment, I stayed still, listening.

“Why is she still here?” one maid whispered.

“She doesn’t belong in the palace,” another hissed.

“Half-witch, half-wolf? What kind of bloodline is that?”

I squeezed my eyes shut, wishing the floor would open and swallow me.

A knock pulled me from my spiraling thoughts. “My lady? May I come in?” Nyra’s voice, gentle but nervous.

“Yes,” I croaked, rubbing my eyes.

She slipped in, balancing a tray of food. Warm bread, roasted roots, a cup of spiced tea that smelled faintly of honey.

“The Alpha asked me to make sure you eat well this morning,” she said with a small bow.

Of course, Cade would send food but not come himself. Typical Alpha duties. Always busy.

Nyra placed the tray by my bedside, her eyes flicking up to mine. “He left early. The council meets today.”

“The council?” I asked, sitting up slowly. My stomach still ached from yesterday’s outburst of power.

Sh