Maria.
"What do you mean, Maria? She is just a rogue assigned to me," he said dismissively.
His tone was light, almost careless, as though the question had never mattered in the first place. Yet the way his eyes lingered on mine betrayed him. There was something there, something unsaid, but I chose not to chase it.
I only nodded.
I knew better than to press further. Whatever truth lay beneath his words, I wasn't strong enough to dig for it, nor was I comfortable enough to demand it. Curiosity could be dangerous in this place, and I had already learned the price of knowing too much.
Silence settled between us again, thick and awkward.
"Alpha Daniel," I said after a moment, forcing calm into my voice as I slowly pushed myself to my feet, "I would love to take my leave now."
My legs still felt weak beneath me, but standing gave me a sense of control I desperately needed. I lowered my gaze respectfully, already preparing myself to walk away.
