593 In the Shadow of Fear - Part 4

RETH

Something cold and dead settled in the pit of his stomach, then a twitch in his peripheral vision turned his head. He found Behryn staring at him, eyes haunted.

It slammed home to him, then, that this was where his best friend had been living for who knew how long? How long had his mate been asking him to choose?

Then he looked at Aymora, who he thought would have defended Elia, but whose jaw was set in the way that meant she wouldn't be moved.

Aymora believed Elia should do this?

Reth leaned forward in his chair, clawed both hands into his hair and tried desperately to think past the buzzing in his head.

Was he letting his fear control him? Aymora, who knew Elia's care and her body—and who did not like to take risks—was telling him to do this. Brant, who called Elia his daughter, was telling him to do this. To ask it of Elia.