Chapter 10: Mother May I

Dane POV

Dane’s hearing immediately picked up two words. “Lilia” and “threat.” Both were spoken by Ravyn in a voice that reminded him of his own parents.

They always worried over every little threat too. A dragon. War with another pack. Someone leaving silver weapons in the pack lands. There was something new to worry about each day.

He raced into the Parlor, where Anneliese held up a red-and-white rose, similar to the one Lilia thrust at him the night they met. In her other hand, she held a scroll.

Lilia recoiled. He felt the terror burst inside her, followed by irritation and sadness. “Again?” she asked.

Anneliese glared at the red-and-white flower. “I wish whoever it is would stop.”

Lilia trembled, and Ravyn came over to hold her hands. “Lilia, you can’t be so friendly with the customers,” Ravyn said. “I’ve told you.”

“None of our customers would do this, Mother,” Lilia whispered, and Dane felt her self-doubt and hurt pulsing inside him.