54

It is with regret and concern that I leave Arina in Reeina's care and ask the guards to take me to her Wolf King, but I reassure myself that I will be brief.

I like Reeina, of course, although after recent events I find it difficult to trust any wolf.

The guards take me to the throne room, where Michael is meeting with his Council and some members of the other Great Houses.

They say I can't come in and that I must wait in the hallway, so one of them comes in to announce me.

I wait for at least half an hour standing there, pacing back and forth, my mind filled with anger and resentment, until the door opens and Miguel comes out.

He's wearing the heavy crown of fangs over his braided hair, the stiff dark clothes making him appear taller, almost swallowing me like a shadow.

I have a strange, warm feeling in my chest seeing him after the last few days, and I convince myself that it's just gratitude, and that I couldn't thank him for rescuing my Sister, but I push it to the back of my mind