Thalina could see it—the exact moment it happened.
The warmth in Zorath's eyes drained, replaced by something cold and sharp. His claws flexed against her shoulders, his tail flicking once in agitation before it curled behind him, stiff with tension. His chest rose and fell, his breath heavier now.
Betrayal.
That was the only way to describe the look on his face.
Thalina swallowed, but before she could say anything, Zorath's jaw clenched. His golden eyes narrowed as if something had just clicked in place.
His grip on her tightened, and then—
His expression darkened.
"Tharion," he muttered, voice thick with venom. "That bastard."
Oh no.
Thalina blinked. "Uh—"
"Of course, it was him," Zorath continued, nostrils flaring as he released her and stepped back. "There's no way you'd ever willingly—he must have forced it!"
"Wait—"
Thalina opened her mouth again, but Zorath was already turning on his heel. His entire body tensed, his muscles coiling like a predator ready to pounce.
