Chapter 34
Meera's lungs burned, screaming out in pain every time the icy air seared her throat with each labored breath. Yet, she pressed on, her determination lending wings to her feet as she raced forward, her eyes fixed on the distant horizon.
As Meera dashed through the pristine blanket of snow, her breath billowed out in clouds of white against the crisp winter air. The cold bit at her cheeks and nose, but her heart was ablaze with exhilaration as she raced through the wintry landscape. Each footfall left a delicate imprint in the snow.
Beside her, Eryx's magnificent silver wolf bounded effortlessly through the snowdrifts, its sleek fur glistening in the soft light of the morning sun. With each powerful stride, the wolf effortlessly kept pace with Meera, its keen eyes fixed on the path ahead, ever watchful and alert.
Slow down, Eryx chuckled, listening to Meera's racing heart. It's not a competition.
Meera huffed and pushed herself harder, "You're showing off."
Meera, Eryx sighed, You can't outrun me.
"I can try," she insisted, her voice filled with stubborn determination as she continued to race forward, her heart pounding in her chest.
As Meera surged forward, her determination propelling her through the snowy landscape, Eryx's pace gradually began to ease. With a subtle shift of his movements, he allowed himself to fall back, deliberately slowing his stride to give Meera the opportunity to pass him.
Meera, her focus fixed firmly on the path ahead, glanced over her shoulder as she realized Eryx was no longer at her side. For a moment, confusion flickered across her features, but then she recognized the gesture for what it was.
Coming to a halt, she whirled around to face him. Her eyes filled with anger as she placed her hands on her hips and scowled.
"Don't you dare!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with defiance. "I don't want a pity win."
Eryx chuckled softly, his silver eyes twinkling with amusement as he met her gaze.
Who said anything about pity? He replied, a teasing lilt to his voice. I simply thought I'd give you a head start, that's all.
Before Meera would blink, with a sudden leap, the large silver wolf launched itself into the air, catching her off guard. A startled yelp escaped her lips as she stumbled backward, landing unceremoniously in a heap against the pile of snow that had been pushed aside.
As the wolf landed gracefully behind her and bolted off toward the tower, leaving her in its wake, Meera scrambled to her feet. She brushed off the snow that clung to her clothes, shivering as the cold seeped through her layers. Using her gloved hands, she pushed her disheveled hair out of her face, her cheeks flushed with both exertion and the chill of the winter air.
Are you even trying? Eryx teased from the tower gates.
As Meera approached the tower gates, her frustration simmered beneath the surface, fueled by Eryx's teasing from his vantage point. With narrowed eyes, she threw her braid over her shoulder in a defiant gesture, her determination unwavering despite her earlier setback.
Spotting the silver wolf at the gates, chuckling with laughter at their playful exchange, Meera's resolve hardened. She refused to let Eryx's taunts get the best of her.
I told you, Eryx continued, his voice carrying across the snow-laden landscape.. You can't outrun me, my moon.
Meera's temper flared at his words, her frustration boiling over. Without hesitation, she scooped up a handful of snow and hurled it at Eryx's head with all the force she could muster. The snowball collided against his fur with a soft thud, sending a shower of flakes cascading to the ground.
For a moment, there was silence as Meera stood there, chest heaving with exertion and anger. But then, as the tension dissipated, a playful glint sparked in her eyes, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
"You're lucky I didn't use ice," she retorted, her tone light with teasing as she approached the gates. "It would have been much worse for yo-"
Suddenly, Meera felt Eryx's jaw grab the back of her cloak. Before she could comprehend what was happening, she was airborne, landing unceremoniously in a soft pile of snow. The impact sent snowflakes scattering around her, and she blinked in surprise as she felt the weight of Eryx atop her.
Eryx's large paw pressed against her shoulder, holding her in place as if to assert his dominance. Meera's gasp of shock was met with a mischievous glint in his eyes as he lifted his paw, ready to unleash another flurry of snow upon her. She attempted to wriggle out from under Eryx's hold, but the wolf's playful antics pinned her firmly to the snowy ground.
"Eryx!" Meera protested, her voice muffled by the snow as the playful wolf continued to kick up more of it, burying her further beneath the icy mound.
However, before Meera could gather her thoughts or free herself, Eryx relented, moving away from her and instead taking hold of her ankle gently in his strong jaw. With a careful yet firm grip, he pulled Meera out from under the snow, rescuing her from her snowy tomb.
With a playful twinkle in his eyes, Eryx tossed Meera into another nearby pile of snow. Despite her initial protest, Meera couldn't help but laugh as she found herself once again enveloped in a soft blanket of snow, the cold flakes tickling her skin.
Had enough? Eryx asked, looming over her as his cold snout nudged Meera's chin.
"Enough," Meera declared between fits of laughter.
You taste like a peach snowcone, Eryx declared with a hint of amusement, his voice rumbling with affection as he continued to nuzzle her cheek and ear, his warm breath melting the snowflakes that clung to her skin. Meera squirmed beneath him, the sensation of his rough tongue against her cheek sending shivers down her spine.
"That tickles!" she exclaimed, her hands pushing against his chest in a futile attempt to create some distance between them.
But Eryx only pressed closer, the comforting heat radiating from his thick fur enveloping her like a warm blanket against the chill of the winter air. He blew out a playful snuff beside her ear, the sound causing her to yelp in surprise before erupting into another bout of laughter.
The sound of Meera's laughter danced through the woods like a melody, echoing like the tinkling of windchimes in a gentle breeze. Eryx pulled back slightly, his gaze fixated on her as she squinted her eyes shut and rolled with the infectious giggles that escaped her lips. His heart began to beat out of his chest and his ribcage contracted at the sight of her beneath him. Eryx swallowed as Meera's laughter began to subside and she turned her head towards him, her eyes opening to meet his gaze.
The golden sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting a warm glow upon her brown eyes, making them shimmer like pools of liquid amber. Eryx felt his breath catch in his throat as he leaned in closer, a gentle gesture to shield her from the light that threatened to disturb her.
Meera's laughter slowed, her breaths coming in soft puffs as she regained her composure. The flush of color on her cheeks only enhanced her natural beauty, and the radiant light in her eyes seemed to illuminate her from within, casting a halo around her that made her appear ethereal.
In that fleeting moment, Eryx couldn't shake the overwhelming sensation that he was witnessing a living embodiment of his most cherished dreams. Yet, there was a profound difference.
Meera, in reality, surpassed the beauty he conjured in his mind a hundredfold. She was a vision of unparalleled allure, captivating him with her radiance. As he beheld her beneath the gentle caress of sunlight, Eryx couldn't deny that Meera was the embodiment of everything he had ever longed for, and more.
As Eryx gazed at Meera, his heart stirred with emotions that he had long kept buried within the depths of his being. The confession, which he had suppressed and hidden away, now surged forth like a river breaking through its dam, flooding his mind with overwhelming intensity. He felt his pulse quicken beneath her hand, the warmth of her touch sending ripples of sensation coursing through his veins.
Yet, even as he acknowledged the depth of his feelings for her, a sense of apprehension crept into his thoughts. He knew all too well the dangers of allowing himself to succumb to these emotions, of acknowledging the longing that pulsed within him like a second heartbeat.
But as he looked into Meera's eyes, he found himself unable to resist the pull of her presence, the magnetic force that seemed to draw him inexorably closer to her. In her gaze, he saw echoes of his own desires reflected back at him, a silent invitation to explore the depths of their connection.
As Meera gazed up at Eryx, unaware of the thoughts circling his guarded thoughts, she sensed something shift within her. A sudden heaviness settled in the pit of her stomach like a stone. Eryx's silvery gaze seemed to pierce through her defenses, lighting up memories that haunted her every night.
A wave of pain crashed over her, the echoes of heartbreak resurfacing with brutal clarity. She felt her heart quicken, its rhythm faltering as if unable to bear the weight of her sorrow. In that moment, the darkness that had lingered at the edges of her consciousness came rushing forward, engulfing her in its suffocating embrace.
The light in her eyes dimmed. The smile that had graced her lips moments ago slipped away, replaced by a mask of resignation and bitterness. The warmth that had once filled her chest dissipated, leaving behind only a cold, gnawing ache.
"Get off me," Meera's voice was laced with a bitter edge, her brows furrowed with resentment as she pushed against the weight of Eryx's presence. "Get off me!"
Eryx recoiled at her words, his own heart heavy with the weight of her pain. He took several steps back, his gaze filled with a mixture of concern and regret as he watched Meera scramble to her feet and hasten off towards the tower, her figure disappearing into the snowy landscape.
Meera! he called out, but she did not turn back. Meera, wait!
Meera threw her hands over her ears, the sound of her own heartbeat pounding in her ears as she quickened her pace. Tears blurred her vision as she ascended the stairs, each step heavy with the weight of her emotions. She rounded a corner and collided with Venna, who had been perched on the window ledge, silently observing the scene below.
"Meera," Venna began, concern etched into her features.
"Not now," Meera's voice cracked with raw emotion, her throat constricted with the pain that threatened to consume her. "Not a single word."
Venna's eyes pleaded with her, filled with sorrow as she reached out to comfort her friend. "Forgive him, M," she implored softly.
"I said not a single word!" Meera's voice rose in desperation, her hands trembling as she covered her ears once more, trying to block out the voices that echoed in her mind.
"Meera, please," Venna followed, her own voice tinged with desperation as she reached out to grasp Meera's arm.
"Leave me alone, Venna," Meera pushed past her, her heart heavy with the weight of her own anguish as she headed toward her room.
"He's your mate," Venna's words hung in the air, a painful reminder of the bond that tied Meera to Eryx.
"He broke my heart!" Meera whirled around, her voice laced with bitterness and anger. "I can't forgive him for what he did. He lied to me. And every time I look at him, I'm reminded of everything all over again."
"Then stop toying with his emotions," Venna's eyes flashed with anger, her frustration bubbling to the surface.
"I beg your pardon?" Meera's gaze narrowed her own temper flaring in response.
"If you truly hate him, stop toying with him and giving him hope that he can mend your heart," Venna's words cut through the air like a knife, her voice tinged with accusation.
"I'm not giving him anything," Meera retorted defiantly, her heart pounding.
"Are you blind?" Venna's voice trembled with emotion. "Do you not see the way he looks at you when you smile at him? Or the way he hangs on your every word?"
Meera could barely hear her over the pounding in her head.
"Why are you being so cruel?" Veena's voice trembled with emotion. "Why do you dangle hope in front of him?"
Meera felt the pressure inside her chest rise, the words threatening to choke her as they pushed their way to her throat. Anger and frustration poured out of her eyes, mingling with the tears that streamed down her cheeks.
"Cruel?" Meera arched her brow, her eyes cold and brimming with sorrow. Her aching heart clenched painfully within her chest as she took a shaky breath. "You're calling me cruel?"
Veena couldn't bear to meet Meera's gaze, her own eyes falling to the ground as she struggled to find the right words.
"Some mornings, when I lay in bed missing home and my family, I think about the dreams I had of a life with your brother," Meera's voice wavered with emotion. "Maybe I am losing my mind, or maybe I am as cruel as you say. But sometimes, it's almost easier to forget everything that he did. I wish I could wake up one morning and go on living, looking at him and not feeling any pain. I wish I could forget everything that he did, and sometimes, if I pretend hard enough, I can lock myself in a bubble long enough to not feel the pain anymore..."
"But then that bubble bursts," Meera's throat tightened, the words catching in her chest. "And I'm once again left with nothing..."
Her voice trailed off into a soft whisper, the weight of her grief heavy upon her shoulders. Venna slowly lifted her lashes and peered at the broken-hearted girl before her.
"No one ever taught me how to unlove somebody," Meera said. "I pray you never have to learn, Venna."
________________________
Eryx's heavy footsteps crunched the snow beneath his sturdy boots, the sound echoing through the vast emptiness of the palace grounds. His sharp eyes scanned the horizon, meticulously taking note of every jagged mountain peak and solitary watchtower that dotted the landscape. Helios soared high above while the sun casted its golden rays across the frozen land, illuminating the pristine white expanse with a brilliance that seemed to defy the chill of winter.
As Eryx stood amidst the breathtaking scenery, he couldn't help but be reminded of Azmeera. The sun, like an old friend, kissed his skin with its gentle warmth, evoking memories of lazy afternoons spent wandering the sun-drenched streets of Azmeera. For a fleeting moment, it was as if he had been transported back, the familiar sensation of sunlight on his face stirring a longing deep within his soul.
But reality soon intruded. The biting windchill snapped at his exposed skin, reminding him of the harshness of his current surroundings. Though the sun may have felt familiar, the landscape before him was unforgiving, a stark contrast to the vibrant streets and bustling markets of Azmeera.
"I've been looking for you."
Dawn's voice cut through the crisp air, drawing Eryx's attention. He lowered his gaze from the sun-drenched sky, his eyes focusing on Dawn as she came to stand beside him.
"You found me," he said with a blank expression.
"Can you at least pretend to be happy when you see me?" Dawn arched her brow, her face pinched with bitterness.
"Would that make you happy?"
"Yes."
"Then no," Eryx said with a slight shrug.
"Asshole."
"What do you want, Dawn?" Eryx sighed. "Make it quick."
"I'm not dying to speak to you either," Dawn rolled her eyes. "The King wants to speak to you."
"Regarding?"
"Regarding your moon," Dawn snickered. "And the Queen has also requested an audience with you."
"Regarding you, I'm assuming."
"Yes," Dawn nodded.
"Perfect timing."
"What do you mean?"
Eryx's lips curved into a mocking smile as he glanced at Dawn. "I mean it's always a pleasure to be summoned by both the King and Queen at once. Adds a certain... thrill to the occasion, wouldn't you agree?"
Dawn scowled, her irritation palpable. "You're impossible."
"Yet here you are, seeking me out," Eryx retorted, turning his attention back to the vast expanse before them.
"The Queen and my parents would like to know-"
"I know what they would like to know," Eryx interrupted her, his tone firm.
"So have you given it any thought?" Dawn pressed, her voice tinged with frustration. "Or is your brain occupied by your defective elemental."
Eryx's jaw tensed. "Do not speak about Meera like that," he warned, his gaze narrowing.
"Whatever," Dawn rolled her eyes dismissively.
Eryx sighed, turning slightly to face her. "And to answer your question, yes, I have given our situation some thought."
"And?" Dawn's eyes lit up with anticipation. "When will we make the announcement? It will take the dressmakers at least six months to prepare for the sil-"
"There won't be a wedding," Eryx cut her short, his voice cutting through the crisp air.
Dawn's expression shifted from anticipation to confusion.
"I can't marry you, Dawn," Eryx continued, his voice steady but resolute.
The words hung in the air, heavy with disbelief. Dawn chuckled, shaking her head as she turned to fully face him.
"Pardon me?" she asked. "It sounded like you said you can't marry me."
Eryx met her gaze evenly. "I can't."
"Why not?" Dawn's brows furrowed in disbelief.
"Because I already have a wife," Eryx said, his words weighted with a sense of finality.
"That drama in Azmeera was not a wedding!" Dawn protested, her voice rising in frustration. "The King and Queen will never accept it! Are you out of your goddamn mind?"
Eryx remained silent, his expression impassive as he met Dawn's gaze. The truth hung between them like a heavy fog.
"You must be," Dawn concluded, her voice edged with bitterness. "Otherwise, you would not be making foolish decisions like this."
"Dawn, you are a wonderful woman-"
"Don't give me that bullshit," she cut him off sharply.
Eryx paused, his gaze searching hers. "You deserve to be with someone who wants to be with you," he continued, his voice soft but firm. "Would you really be happy in a loveless marriage with me?"
Dawn's eyes flashed with defiance. "I would be happy with the crown on my head, Eryx," she jeered. "I don't want love. I want to be queen."
Eryx couldn't help but chuckle at the bluntness of her words. "I'm just a means to an end then," he remarked wryly.
"Don't tell me a few weeks in Azmeera has melted your heart," Dawn glared, her tone accusatory. "You're the crown, Eryx, and you've known that your whole life. Love has no place in your life. Let me remind you that it's your duty to ensure the crown wins and thrives."
Eryx remained silent for a moment, his thoughts swirling with conflicting emotions. Dawn's words struck a chord, reminding him of the weight of responsibility that had been thrust upon him since birth. But somewhere deep within him, a flicker of something more lingered, a yearning for a life beyond duty and obligation.
"The King will never accept this decision," Dawn reminded him. "Don't make reckless choices because of some girl."
"She's my mate."
"All the more reasons why you can not be with her," Dawn huffed.
"And if I want to?" Eryx turned to look at Dawn. "What if I want to give it all up?"
"Eryx, you have no idea what you're sa-"
"Haven't you ever wanted something so bad that without it you're incomplete?" Eryx asked.
"Are you listening to yourself?" Dawn gasped in horror. "You're insane. You're actually insane."
Eryx chuckled. He leaned his head back and let the sound vibrate through his whole body as the sun graced his face once more.
"Unlike you, I still have some sense left in me," Dawn said. "I am going to tell the Queen we have decided to go forth with the wedding."
"You will do no such thing," Eryx shook his head, dismissing her, knowing her threats meant nothing.
"Once we're married," Dawn continued, pretending to not hear Eryx. "You will get all these crazy ideas out of your head."
"I can't marry you," Eryx repeated himself with an eerie calmness.
"We'll see what the king and queen have to say about that," Dawn turned to leave. "And let me remind you that you trained me to clear all obstacles in my path, Eryx."
Before Dawn could march off, Eryx grabbed her arm, stopping her on the snow-covered path. He pulled her closer until he was beside her ear.
"Touch her..." Eryx spoke slowly, his voice laced with a poisonous warning. "And I will flay you alive."
Dawn's face twisted in anger as she snatched her arm away from Eryx's grasp, her eyes blazing with fury as she spoke. "I am not one to be intimidated by idle threats."
Eryx stood his ground, his expression unreadable, but his eyes glinting with a dangerous resolve.
"I am not one to make idle threats, Dawn," he replied, his voice cold and steely. "Consider this a promise."
Dawn glared at him, her fists clenched at her sides. Without a word, she turned on her heel and stormed off, her footsteps crunching in the snow as she disappeared into the palace. Eryx watched her go, knowing his mother would have something to say about this latest development, just as she always did. Her disapproval had become a constant presence in his life, a relentless force that seemed to grow stronger with each passing day.
He had long since grown numb to her criticisms, her judgments, her impossible standards. No matter what he did, it never seemed to be enough to earn her affection and approval. It was as if he were constantly chasing after an unattainable prize, forever out of reach.
Eryx couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. He knew that he should be angry, frustrated, even resentful. But instead, all he felt was a deep sense of emptiness, a hollow ache that seemed to consume him from within.
With a deep breath, Eryx closed his eyes briefly. He had learned long ago to build walls around his feelings, to bury them deep where they couldn't hurt him. And now, as he prepared to enter the tower, he fortified those walls once more.
Letting out the air he had been holding, Eryx straightened his shoulders and forced himself to push aside the turmoil brewing inside him. He couldn't afford to dwell on his emotions, not now. There were too many responsibilities weighing on his shoulders, too many duties demanding his attention.
With each step he took, Eryx felt the walls around his heart grow stronger, more impenetrable. It was a skill he had honed over the years, a survival mechanism born out of necessity. And as he walked toward the tower, he felt the weight of his emotions begin to lift, replaced by a familiar numbness.
As Eryx stepped through the heavy oak doors of the tower, he was immediately greeted by the flickering torches lining the walls. He made his way through the grand entrance hall, nodding politely to the guards stationed at the door as he passed. His footsteps echoed softly in the quiet, the only sound breaking the serene silence of the place.
As he ascended the staircase leading to the upper floors, he caught a faint sound drifting down from above. Curiosity piqued, he followed the sound until he reached the door to the library. Peering through the crack in the door, Eryx spotted Meera, standing perched on a ladder amidst the towering shelves of books with Bram sitting on the floor before her.
As Eryx watched Meera from the doorway, his breath caught in his throat at the sight of her. She stood on the ladder amidst the library's grandeur, surrounded by the wisdom of countless books, her laughter filling the room with a lightness that seemed to dispel the weight of his worries.
Her beauty was undeniable, illuminated by the soft sunlight from the windows. Her hair cascaded in waves around her shoulders, framing a face that seemed to glow with an inner radiance. Eryx couldn't help but marvel at her elegance, her grace, as she reached for a book on the highest shelf.
But it wasn't just her physical beauty that captivated him. It was the joy in her laughter, the sparkle in her eyes, that made his heart ache with longing. A feeling stirred within him, a sensation that he struggled to name. It was as if his heart was swelling up inside his chest, a mixture of longing and admiration that left him breathless.
With a heavy heart, Eryx tore his gaze away from Meera and continued on his way, the echo of her laughter lingering in his ears. No matter how much his heart yearned to join her in the library, he knew that his presence would only cast a shadow over her joy. It was a bitter pill to swallow, knowing that he couldn't bring her the happiness she deserved.
Feeling his head throb with the thoughts swirling inside, Eryx made his way into Zeeb's chambers. As soon as he entered, his eyes landed on the council. His gaze swept over the three members, their expressions grave and solemn, their eyes fixed on him with an intensity that made his skin prickle with unease. It was as if they were waiting for him to say something.
"What's going on?" Eryx's voice cut through the silence, breaking the spell that seemed to hold them all captive.
Zeeb motioned for him to close the door, a gesture that only added to the sense of secrecy that hung in the air. Eryx complied, his curiosity piqued by the unexpected gathering.
As he turned back to face the council, his eyes narrowed in confusion. What could possibly be so urgent that they needed to meet without warning?
Zeeb's gaze met his own, and Eryx could see the gravity of the situation reflected in the older man's eyes. It was Lyall, however, who spoke first, his voice steady despite the tension that gripped the room.
"It's about Meera," Lyall began, his words hanging heavy in the air like a dark cloud. Eryx felt a knot form in the pit of his stomach at the mention of his mate's name.
Lyall continued, his voice measured and deliberate. "At training today, I noticed something strange about her hands. There was a faint blue stain on the tips of her fingers."
Eryx's brows furrowed in concern, his mind racing to make sense of what he was hearing, "And?"
Zeeb spoke up, his voice grave as he offered a possible explanation. "When shadow shade roots are consumed in excessive amounts, it can cause poor circulation, resulting in fingers and toes turning blue."
"What are you suggesting?" Eryx's voice was low, his brow arched.
Fenno cleared his throat before speaking up. "We think Meera might be drinking the shadow shade tea," he said, his words heavy with concern.
The weight of Fenno's accusation hung in the air like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over the room. Eryx's jaw set, his eyes narrowed with suspicion as he peered at the men before him.
"What makes you think that?" he asked, his voice sharp with incredulity. "Maybe the stains are from her dresses. Azmeerean fabrics are dyed."
"They would have washed off," Lyall countered.
"She must have changed before training and did not wash her hands," Eryx shrugged, his tone dismissive. Zeeb and Fenno exchanged concerned glances.
"Shadow shade cannot be the only thing to cause poor circulation, correct?" Eryx pressed on, his anger simmering beneath the surface. He clenched his jaw, struggling to contain his irritation. "What made you all jump to the conclusion that she is drinking shadow tea?"
"No, there can be other—" Zeeb began, but Eryx cut him off.
"Can it not be the winter weather of Voreios?" Eryx interrupted, his voice tinged with frustration. "She's not accustomed to it. Maybe that's why she's experiencing these symptoms."
Fenno spoke up, his tone gentle but firm. "She has been requisitioning hot water to be brought to her room every night," he said.
"She likes warm water to soothe her throat," Eryx countered quickly. "Like I said, she's not from Voreios."
Lyall interjected, his voice serious. "She has been more tired than usual during training. Another common side effect of shadow shade."
Eryx's patience wore thin as he pushed back against their accusations. "She has been training every day," he pointed out, frustration evident in his voice.
"Eryx," Fenno sighed, his tone pleading. "We know she is your mate, and that you want to protect her. But if she's secretly drinking shadow shade, then it's an issue that needs to be addressed."
"There is no issue," Eryx dismissed the accusation with a wave of his hand. "This is an outrageous idea. None of the evidence you've brought forth proves anything."
His words hung in the air, a defiant declaration of his protectiveness toward Meera.
"Our concerns should not be dismissed without proper investigation," Lyall declared. "The King will hear of this, Eryx."
Eryx met Lyall's scowl with a steely glare of his own. His demeanor hardened. His gaze turned icy, and his voice carried a sharp edge as he addressed the council.
"The king has other pressing matters to attend to, and so do we," he retorted, his tone firm and commanding. "My elemental does not have her powers. What are we doing about that other than feeding her roots and flowers? Have we found any real solution to all this? How about we focus on that and not on her fingers?"
His silver eyes seemed to glow with anger, a fierce intensity burning within him as he stared down the men before him. The heat radiating off his body was palpable, his muscles tensing as his wolf prowled restlessly within him, eager for action.
Eryx's hands balled into fists at his sides, his wolf baring its sharp, jagged teeth in a silent warning. It was clear that he would not back down, that he would fight tooth and nail to protect his mate from any and all threats.
The tension in the room crackled like lightning, the air thick with the promise of confrontation. And as Eryx stood there, his resolve unyielding, it was clear that neither side would back down easily.
Will they catch Meera?