Violet's eyes opened, her stomach grumbling even before her mind could fully recall where she was. The tantalizing aroma of food filled her senses, pulling her from the haze of sleep. She sat up abruptly, when she caught sight of the large figure standing at the foot of her bed.
"You don't need to be afraid," Griffin said, his voice calm as he raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "I promise, I won't harm you."
Violet's glare hardened, her tone sharp as she retorted, "You said those exact words right before joining the others in bullying me at that so-called scenting ceremony."
Griffin nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Guilty as charged. But that was tradition. I would never intentionally hurt you, Violet." He gestured toward someone else in the room, and only then did Violet realize they weren't alone.