Caroline's head bowed lower. "My lord, you have known me the longest. I would never betray you. Betrayal means death—and I have nowhere else to go." She hesitated. "Have you questioned Selene?"
Something dark flared in his chest.
His eyes twitched. His hands clenched.
"Are you suggesting she betrayed me?" His voice was low, dangerous. "What would she gain? And if she were the one, she would not have offered her blood to save my life just moments ago."
Caroline bit her lip and remained silent.
"I have done nothing wrong," she said finally. "I remain loyal. I knew you left, yes—but I do not know where you went. I did not leave my room."
Alistair exhaled slowly.
"Enough." He turned away. "Prepare breakfast for Selene. Something nourishing. Something to restore blood." His tone hardened. "Go. Your voice makes my head ache."
She stiffened.
"But remember this," he added without looking back. "If I ever discover betrayal, there will be no mercy."
