Page 165 of House of Crimson Cloak and Silver Teeth

I’m being an idiot. A stupid, pathetic idiot. He betrayed me and condemned me to this. Yet, I’m acting like some lovesick fool. Get it together.

I want his hands in my fur the way they used to be in my hair.

What am I doing? This is pathetic. But the urge is overwhelming and irrational.

Two knights follow him inside.

One wears the silver insignia of a royal guard with an eyepatch covering his left eye. The other is a dark-haired male, taller than me or even most Grimsbane.

“The Queen’s rotation protocol is straightforward,” the blonde-haired knight with the eyepatch says.

This is Aelfric, the queen’s royal guard.

“Guards change every eight hours. We’ll rotate between you, me, and Darstan.”

“Understood,” Garrett’s tone matches the formality.

There’s no warmth between them yet. Garrett is the outsider, the former enemy brought into the fold.

“You’re part of her royal guard now. That means you’re responsible for her life.” Aelfric crosses his arms. “I won’t pretend I trust you yet, Clayborne. But I trust her Highness’s judgment. That buys you my confidence.”

“Her plan to travel to the Demon Lord’s castle in the human realm is dangerous.” The tall one, Darstan finally speaks. His voice is deeper than Aelfric’s.

“It’s a trap,” Garrett says flatly. “I wouldn’t put it past the Aeonians to orchestrate this.”

“Obviously. I told her as much.” Aelfric sighs heavily. “She’s going through with it anyway.”

The Queen has made her decision and even her closest guards can’t change her mind.

“She’ll be vulnerable during the journey.” Darstan’s voice is grave. “We need to plan the full security detail carefully.”

Garrett steps closer to the map spread across his desk. “The route through the borderlands has three chokepoints. We’ll need scouts ahead at each one.” His finger traces the path. “Here, here, and here. If someone wants to ambush us, those are the logical places.”

Despite how new this arrangement is, they’re already functioning as a team. Garrett fits into their rhythm naturally. His tactical mind contributes insights they appreciate.

An uncomfortable feeling settles in my chest. It’s not quite jealousy or grief but something more complex as I watch Garrett move on. He is building new connections and finding his place in a world I’m no longer part of.

Garrett belongs with them.

He fits here, with these knights in his new role. They stand together while I hide in the shadows. I’m crouched behind his wardrobe, fur pressed against wood, watching through a gap like a fucking creep.

I wonder if he thinks about me at all. If any of it meant something or if I was just convenient. Perhaps I was just a temporary distraction that’s already been forgotten. The thought burns worse than the collar ever did.

Aelfric’s gaze suddenly shifts toward my hiding spot. His single eye locks onto the darkness.

“Come out. Now.”

I freeze.

I try to make myself smaller, tucking deeper into the gap. My heart hammers so loud I’m certain they can all hear it. His hand moves to his sword.

“I know you’re there. Show yourself.”

Shit.

Staying hidden is no longer an option. He knows exactly where I am. Reluctantly, I step into the lamplight.

All three of them turn to look at me. Three trained warriors, their focus sharpening instantly on the wolf that just emerged from the shadows. I can feel their assessment on how quickly they can kill me if necessary.