All mysterious. All perfectly timed to clear Zane’s path to power.
The Radrick family has always been influential, but under Zane’s leadership, it has become controlling. He has consolidated wealth and political connections at an alarming rate, all while maintaining the perfect façade of a grieving, young lord thrust into responsibility too soon.
“Please, Commander Rowan, sit.” He gestures to the chair beside his bed with easy assurance, those deep brown depths crinkling with what appears to be genuine amiability. “I assume this is about my unfortunate encounter in the forest.”
I remain standing, arms crossed. “If you’re feeling well enough to discussit, my lord.”
His laugh is soft, refined, and his inviting gaze never leaves my face. “Much better now, thank you. Though I must admit, I don’t remember much after the attack began.”
“Can you tell me what you do remember?”
Zane leans back against his pillows, his expression open and engaging as if we’re old friends sharing stories over drinks. But I catch something else—a shadow passing behind those dark eyes that suggests he’s measuring every word, weighing every response.
“I’d been drinking at the celebration. Too much, I’m afraid. Decided I needed air, maybe a run to clear my head.”
“You went into the forest alone? Without guards?”
“I’m not helpless, Commander.” His voice remains smooth, but a slight tightness around his mouth hints at displeasure. “Or rather, I wasn’t. I’d made it deep into the forest, found a secluded spot to shift…” He trails off, his cordial gaze growing distant. “That’s when they came out of nowhere. Three shifters, already transformed. They attacked before I could even react.”
My wolf stirs uneasily. Something about his story doesn’t sit right. A man who eliminated three potential heirs to claim his birthright should be capable of handling a few rogue attackers, even if he had been under the influence of alcohol.
“And you couldn’t fight them off?”
Zane’s smile remains charming and is now filled with what looks like self-deprecating humor. “I was drunk, Commander. Unsteady on my feet, slow to respond. By the time I realized what was happening, they had me down.” He shrugs with practiced humility. “I suppose I’m not as formidable as my reputation suggests.”
The geniality in his expression never wavers, but his eyes tighten, a coldness forming in them that doesn’t match his courteous demeanor.
“Did you recognize them? Catch any scents that might help us identify them?”
“No. Everything happened so fast, and honestly, I was more focused on staying alive than taking notes.” His gaze meets mine with apparent sincerity, yet I can’t shake the feeling that he’s enjoying some private joke. “I suppose I should be grateful they left me alive.”
“Any idea why they would target you specifically?”
Zane tilts his head thoughtfully, that affable countenance never faltering. “Could have been random. Or…” He pauses, as if carefully considering his words. “There are factions that might see eliminating certain Council members as advantageous. Though I can’t imagine why anyone would want me gone.”
Another lie delivered with perfect, gracious control.
“We’ll investigate thoroughly, my lord. If these attackers are still in the area, they pose a threat to everyone.”
“How thoughtful of you.” His smile widens, and behind those brown eyes, a glimmer of interest surfaces that makes my skin crawl. “Speaking of which, where is the little healer who saved me? I’d like to thank her properly.”
Every muscle in my body goes rigid. “She’s recovering from the strain of healing your injuries, my lord.”
“Ah, of course. The poor thing must have exhausted herself.” He runs a hand through his dark curls, the gesture somehow both casual and methodical, his inviting stare growing almost tender. “Such dedication. Such…selflessness. I find myself quite impressed by her abilities.”
The way he says it, with such apparent kindness and admiration, makes it somehow worse than outright leering would have been.
“I should like to visit her once I’m released. Express my gratitude in person.”
My wolf snarls inside me, possessive heat flaring in my chest. “She’s not taking visitors at this time.”
Zane’s smile turns mysterious, almost knowing. “Oh, she’ll meet me, Commander. I’m quite certain of it.”
The conviction in his voice, the way his eyes gleam with certainty, makes my blood run cold. He sounds like a man who knows something I don’t, who’s holding cards he hasn’t revealed yet.
I force myself to maintain my self-control as I bow stiffly. “I’ll take my leave now, my lord. Rest well.”
“Oh, I intend to, Commander.” His inviting stare followsme to the door, that unsettling smile never wavering. “Give her my regards, won’t you?”
