Sorayah swallowed hard, her throat tightening as she watched Lupien break into a wheezing laugh.
"If you truly want to help me as you claim, Your Highness," she said, stepping closer, her expression carved with resolve and curiosity, "then tell me the truth. Tell me the Beta Lord's origin. Why does he harbor such hatred for humans? And why do you say he's not your uncle?"
Her eyes bore into him, sharp and unyielding. "What are you hiding, Lupien?"
"There's nothing more to say, Sorayah," he rasped, his tone hardening with bitter finality. "Except this, if you're unwilling to become my concubine, then you should leave the palace tonight. I have no heirs. None. And if Dimitri truly becomes the next Alpha, then you and every last human will be ruined."
Blood spilled from his mouth, staining his lips. "If you want to save yourself, Sorayah, run. Leave the palace while you still can."
