The door slammed hard enough to rattle the frame. I stood there longer than I should have, staring at the wood as the echo faded.
My wolf didn't stir— not even a growl. Instead, it felt… content. At peace, even. That alone was enough to put me on edge.
She should have been a nuisance, a prisoner I tolerated for diplomacy's sake. So why did my instincts tell me to stay outside that door a little longer?
'Maybe giving her a command was too much?'
I shook my head, taking a step back from the door.
These are the exact thoughts she wants me to have. To give her freedom.
This was for the safety of my pack. She proved to be a skilled killer, and it was up to me to prevent any accidents from happening.
Still, even as I understood all of this, I hesitated to step away.
'Did she even like the apples I sent her?'
Again, my thoughts spiraled out of control. This time, I tore myself away and headed for the library before I could think better of it.
