I took Elira’s arm and led her out of the room.
“Thorne…”
“Not here.” I said shortly.
We walked together down the hallways. I walked in front, taking her the direction of the Shade tower. She pulled me to a gentle stop.
“No. He moved me.” She sighed, looking tired.
“What do you mean,he moved you?”
She just shook her head and guided me through the keep towards her new room. Her skirts swished against the floor with each step.
When we got there, the others were already waiting. Leo ran to her side immediately and embraced her tightly, while Slade took a step, like he wanted to. Phoenix just sat by her fireplace, still looking worn out.
“I’m sorry,” Leo said, pulling back but keeping a hand on her shoulder. His voice was tight, almost frantic. “We thought we’d be back before dinner. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” she said, though the exhaustion in her voice was impossible to miss.
“Thanks to Thorne’s little party favour, it finished early.”
Leo gave me a look that was half gratitude, half question.
I didn’t answer it.
Instead, I turned my glare on Slade and Leo.
“Why the hell was she dining with the king alone in the first place?” I snapped. “And why is she dressed like that?”
My gaze flicked back to Elira — the rich silk, the shimmer of crystals under the firelight — and irritation surged through me.
She glanced down at the midnight blue gown, her mouth twisting in annoyance.
“Because he told me to. What was I supposed to say?” She brushed the heavy fabric roughly with her hands. “You don’t like it?” she added, a wry, tired drawl in her voice.
Like hell I didn’t.
She looked like a damn goddess.
And it was messing with my head.
“I prefer you in fighting leathers.” I shot back.
“Me too,” muttered Leo under his breath. Slade elbowed him.
Elira looked up at me. “So, what the hell happened out there? I take it you found the base.”
“We did,” Phoenix answered. “But by the time we got there, it was mostly deserted.”
“So where did the wolves come from?”
“Guarding party. Ambushed us on our way in.”
She looked quickly at Phoenix, concern flashing in her eyes despite herself.
“Were you hurt?”
He sent her a soft smile. “No. I’m pretty sturdy. Thorne took a blow to the head, though.” He gestured vaguely toward the bruise forming around my ear.
