"I think that will be all for now," Elijah said to Alaric. "You may return to your chambers while the Alphas and I discuss important matters."
Alaric gave no objection. He bowed his head respectfully and left, the guards shutting the door behind him.
With him gone, the air grew heavier. Whatever the Alphas had held back in his presence now had room to surface.
Zara was the first to speak. "If Asher Nightshade takes the position of Alpha, doesn't that give him an advantage over our children when it comes to fighting for the Alpha King position after graduation?"
Irene didn't miss a beat. She said, "Why don't you die as well, so your son can take his rightful place as Alpha?"
"What?" Zara reeled, the words striking her like a slap across the face.
Irene said with a cutting tone. "Oh right, you're not the Alpha. Your husband is. But you certainly like to act like one."
"Irene!" Zara snapped, her temper finally breaking.
