#Chapter 57: One Last Night

I kept my shoulders straight as I walked down the main hallway of the Pack House beside Richard, Elsa trailing behind us like a lioness stalking prey. My palms felt clammy, and I rubbed them against my skirt when I thought no one was looking. But of course, she noticed. "Everything all right?" Elsa asked, her voice all sugar. "You look pale. Overworked?" "I'm fine," I bit out, refusing to meet her eyes. Richard's gaze flicked between us. He tried for neutral, but I could see the warning in the set of his jaw. "Let's focus on the meeting." We walked in silence for a few seconds. Elsa's heels clicked with precise, infuriating rhythm. I could feel her watching me, assessing, dissecting. She shifted closer to Richard deliberately, and he angled slightly away from her, almost unconsciously putting himself between us. "You're sure you can handle this briefing?" Elsa murmured to me, pretending it was concern. "I wouldn't want you getting overwhelmed in front of the council again."