FLAP.
FLAP.
The sharp sound of a belt snapping open echoed through the room.
Ariana's heart pounded violently in her chest.
That… that wasn't the wolf she thought he meant.
She had made a huge mistake trusting this man's words.
Realization struck like lightning—he had tricked her. Lured her into his dangerous web with gentle words, making her believe she was about to witness a mystical transformation. But this… this was something else entirely.
Her face flushed red as she threw her hands up in panic, but it was too late.
In one swift motion, Zavren yanked the belt free. His trousers hit the floor with a soft thud.
Ariana gasped, her lips parting in shock. Her hands flew to cover her mouth as she spun her head away, turning sharply to the side, her face burning.
"Oh, darling," his voice curled around her like smoke—smug and deep—"you wanted to see the wolf, so why hide now?"
