Veyra's expression tightened, but she nodded with military precision. "Yes, Alpha. I'll begin immediately." She left quickly, pulling out her phone as the elevator doors closed.
Thessian remained, staring at the laptop screen where the shadowy figure seemed to mock him with its anonymity. At the evidence of his mate's betrayal spread across the cage floor. At the names of people he'd trusted completely now under suspicion.
"How did you do this?" he asked quietly, genuine confusion beneath the exhaustion.
"Do what?" Liora asked without looking up.
"Become this. Cold. Ruthless. Analytical." He gestured vaguely at her. "You were terrified when you arrived here, barely able to function. Now you're... this."
