The heavy oak doors clicked shut behind Maelor, the echo of his footsteps dissolving into the long stone corridor beyond.

Silence claimed the study.

Leo remained by the door, a quiet presence meant to guard more than just the room. He watched his Alpha carefully, thoughts churning beneath his controlled exterior.

Ethan's gaze returned to the black-waxed scroll resting on his table. Featureless. Defiant. As though daring him to try.

After a moment, Ethan reached for the scroll.

“If it holds ...