The Alpha King had gone rigid in his chair, one hand pressed to his temple. His jaw clenched so tight you could see the muscle jumping. His eyes had gone unfocused, and the glow had intensified until they were nearly burning. The question burst out before you could think better of it. His head snapped toward you, and suddenly those burning eyes were locked on yours. His wolf surged forward, and you felt the full weight of his dominance crash into you like a physical blow. Your knees hit the floor without your permission. "Get out!"

Weeks later.

The sound of a lock turning snapped you back to the present. Ara appeared, your face drawn. He's asking for you, you said simply. You gathered your supplies with trembling hands and stepped through the door. The chamber looked different tonight. Someone had lit more candles and a fire burned in the hearth. The Alpha King stood by the window, his back to her, hands clasped behind him. You kept your eyes down. "Continue your work." His voice was quieter tonight, lacking the sharp edge from their first meeting. "And do not stop because of me." You moved to the hearth and began your routine. The silence felt less oppressive tonight, though you couldn't say why.