#Chapter 218: Hard Pass

Charles and Elara settled into the chairs across from me, their contrasting auras filling the cramped office. Charles, radiating regal authority, and Elara, cloaked in an air of quiet power. Her gaze swept over me. The distaste was still there at the corner of her eyes, but it didn't feel blatant. I felt almost dismissed and defensive. "Alpha Wolfe," Charles began, his voice deep and formal. A pang of pain went through me. Longing and irritation. They couldn't have been that close for him to be so formal with me in private like that. Charles wasn't hiding me from the rest of his family, was he? "I brought Lady Fireborn here to talk about your information infrastructure." My heart prickled with unease. "Why... now?" "As I stated, I have no interest in humoring working with you with such a case hanging over you," she said. "And there was the matter of certain treaties." I frowned and looked at Esme. She smiled. "He's still bitter about that, hm?" Elara's eyebrows jumped. "I assure