11. The Dead Sister

[ELARA]

“Please, don’t eat that,” I manage to choke out, my stomach turning in revolt as my gaze shifts from the plate to Alec's frail form. "I’m so sorry," I murmur, my remorse evident though none of this is my doing.

A surge of anger courses through me, directed at Alina. Every fiber of my being despises her. I clench my teeth, restraining curses. She orchestrated this, fully aware of the consequences. If only Alec had still been in Mistral Hollow, none of this tragedy would unfold. But she manipulated Alpha Zander into assigning him as my personal guard.

Not only am I being punished for never doing anything wrong, so is Alec.

He still keeps his head bowed between folded knees. I cautiously approach, avoiding the cold touch of silver bars, and notice eerie black swirls on his bare back It’s not something I’ve seen before on him and I’ve seen him more naked than this several times.

“What is that?” I ask out loud without intending to do so.

“Oh, here you are,” a voice interrupts my