The Alpha King could only hope Addison would not disappoint him.
So he waited.
He offered no advice, no opinion, no guidance. Through the communication crystal, he simply watched her with a calm, unreadable gaze, as though they were not discussing the possible downfall of their entire kingdom.
And Addison understood.
She recognized that look. Her father was not speaking to her as a parent, but as a king testing his heir.
This was a trial.
The weight of it settled heavily on her shoulders. Her breathing quickened even when she was doing her best trying to calm her nerves, but her eyes gradually hardened. She met his gaze through the crystal without flinching, refusing to look away.
"Indeed, we may not have much time," Addison said, her voice steady and resolute. "Our enemies all have their own agendas, and we may never be able to untangle every thread behind their actions."
She held her father's gaze.
