Sasha waited until the gentle rhythm of Aylin's breathing deepened into a peaceful sleep; her body curled trustingly against him. He carefully eased himself out of the bed, pausing when she stirred lightly.
He gently brushed her hair back, waiting for her to settle before quietly taking his dark wool cape with fur rims from the nearby chair. With ease, he draped the cape over his broad shoulders and left the room in silence.
Roland and Oriel stood silently in the hallway, shadows that followed him instinctively. They straightened at his approach, their eyes sharp and watchful, neither of them trusting Silas. He may have been alone in the Tsar's fortress, but he was still one of the strongest alphas in the kingdom.
"Stay outside," Sasha instructed quietly, his voice holding a hint of warning. "I am not going to need help."
