Page 147 of Salt Between the Wolves

"Such a gesture would undoubtedly prevent unnecessary misunderstandings between our peoples."

Misunderstandings.

Soren stared at him, and the envoy met his gaze without hesitation. He truly believed he was helping, which somehow made everything worse.

"Lord Vargan wishes only to ensure his daughter's safety."

A muscle jumped in Soren's jaw, though he still said nothing.

The envoy pressed on.

"Surely Lord Soren understands a father's concern."

The word echoed through the chamber once more.

Concern.

Not control, not ownership, and not the White Law.

Concern.

Suddenly Soren remembered Eira standing in this very fortress, arguing, explaining, and warning him again and again with words he had dismissed because he had not wanted to hear them.

The envoy's voice cut through the memory.

"Lady Eira remains a matter of great importance to Frostvein."

The pressure beneath Soren's ribs sharpened, followed by a burst of pain that was brief, violent, and gone almost as quickly as it arrived.

The envoy drew a breath and delivered the final blow.

"Her personal wishes cannot outweigh obligations established by law."

Silence followed.

For a moment the room seemed to disappear—not physically, but enough that everything else faded from view.

Soren saw Eira again. He saw the council chamber, the White Law, the helpless fury in her eyes, and the certainty that no one was listening to her.

Not even him.

Something shifted, not in the room but deep inside him.

The envoy was still speaking, yet Soren no longer heard the words. All he heard was the voice, the law, and the chains hidden beneath polite language.

He rose slowly from his chair.

The envoy stopped speaking, and the room seemed to stop with him as every eye turned toward Soren.

Soren took a step forward and then another.

The envoy remained where he was, confused, uncertain, and still unaware of what was happening.

"My lord?"

The words had barely left his mouth when the transformation struck like a crack through stone.

A sharp sound echoed through the chamber, causing several people to flinch. Soren felt claws tear through the tips of his gloves, felt his teeth lengthen, and felt the wolf surge forward beneath his skin.