Chapter 41

Lucas' POV

The maid's ragged breathing filled the cell. It mixed with the drip of water from somewhere accross the top linings. She trembled before me, her face painted with bruises. The look in her eyes displayed fear, horror, yet, something else.

"Please, Alpha Lucas," Maria whispered, her split lip quivering. "I would never harm Luna Elara. Never." Blood trickled down her chin, but she held my gaze, defiant even in her terror.

I leaned forward, letting my wolf surge closer to the surface. The air grew heavier, charged with the weight of my power. "Then explain to me," I growled, "why my mate lies upstairs fighting for her life. Why my child—" My voice cracked slightly before I steeled it again. "Why someone I trusted to serve in my home tried to destroy everything I hold dear."