Anya knew Kaelan was losing the political battle. Torvin's veiled attacks were undermining his authority, and a weak Alpha meant a dead Anya. She had to shift the narrative.
Taking a deep, stabilizing breath, she overrode the "stay silent" command and threw open the suite door.
Kaelan and Torvin both spun around, shocked.
Anya walked into the office, her stance deliberately softer, her eyes wide with feigned distress. She crossed the room and wrapped both arms around Kaelan's waist, burying her face into his side, right over the dark blood stains.
"Alpha," she whispered, her voice trembling—a perfect rendition of a terrified, dependent Mate. "I am so worried. Please tell me you are safe."
The contact was devastating. Kaelan froze, utterly nonplussed, but the Mate Bond surged with violent pride and possessiveness in response to the public declaration of claim. He instinctively wrapped an arm around her, shielding her.
Torvin's predatory smile vanished. He saw a possessive Alpha protecting a vulnerable Mate—a sign of strength, not weakness.
"Forgive my distress, Elder Torvin," Kaelan said, recovering instantly, his voice now dangerously smooth. "My Mate is very protective. She felt the danger through our bond."