The silence of the library wrapped around Iva like a thin blanket, but it did nothing to calm the storm inside her.
She leaned back in the chair, eyes unfocused, fingers laced tightly together as Avalon’s presence stirred beneath her skin, more alert now, more focused than before.
“We cannot wait until the last moment,” Avalon said, her voice low and serious. “The closer we get to the mating date, the tighter the scrutiny will become.”
Iva swallowed.
“Your father is already watching you and you are grounded thanks to Nick’s lies,” Avalon continued. “The Alpha is watching you as he wants the deals done with the North. Every move you make will be questioned. Every step counted. If we hesitate too long, we may not get another chance.”
“I know,” Iva whispered, her throat dry. “I was think
