I didn't tell Elara what happened in Kael's study. When she asked about the stew, I said I'd tripped. She frowned but let it go.She was a good Beta. A good friend. In my first life, my disappearance had destroyed her—left her wandering the rogue territories for five years, broken and dying. The guilt of that still sat in my chest like a splinter of silver.I thought the matter was buried.Then, the next afternoon, I overheard Kael's voice through Elara's sitting room curtain. He was speaking low, careful."Lyra saved your life, I know. But she's still an Omega, Elara. They're… opportunistic. They bond to whoever feeds them."Elara's scent sharpened with confusion. "What are you saying, Kael? Lyra would never—""I'm saying be careful." His tone hardened. "You don't know what she's plotting. Maybe she wants more than gratitude."There was a pause. Then Elara laughed, a little uneasy. "Kael, you're being ridiculous. You're always so cold to her. Do you… not like her?"Another pause, long
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