Page 150 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

"That," Darius replied with deadly softness, "is a private matter among pack members."

Victoria's lips curved in a knowing smile, but she inclined her head in acquiescence. "Of course. Forgive my curiosity."

Nikolai cleared his throat. "The council will require a brief private consultation before finalizing our approval. If you would wait in the anteroom?"

It was phrased as a request but delivered as a command. Darius nodded, his hand settling at the small of Serenity's back as she rose. The touch was possessive, but she felt the subtle pressure of his fingers—a warning, a reminder to stay alert.

As they were escorted to the anteroom by Elena, Serenity felt another wave of dizziness wash over her. The medication was working inconsistently, moments of clarity interrupted by foggy confusion and surges of heat that made it difficult to maintain her focus.

"Fifteen minutes," Lucian murmured as they entered the elegantly appointed waiting room. "Right on schedule."

Ronan positioned himself near the door, his posture casual but his eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. "Blackthorn's financial maneuvers should be initiating now."

Serenity sank onto a plush sofa, willing the room to stop spinning. "Is it always this disorienting?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "The suppressant?"

Darius frowned, studying her with concern. "It shouldn't be this severe. You've used suppressants before?"

"For years," she confirmed. "But never military grade."

A shadow crossed his face. "It could be interacting with the residual commercial suppressants in your system."

Before she could respond, Elena approached with a silver tray bearing crystal glasses of water. "The council appreciates your patience," she said, her voice carefully neutral. "They anticipate a brief deliberation."

Serenity accepted a glass gratefully, the cool water a temporary relief against the heat building inside her. As Elena turned away, Serenity caught a flash of something in the Beta's eyes—a calculation, a coldness that hadn't been there before.

"Something's wrong," she whispered to Darius as soon as Elena was out of earshot. "Elena's acting strange."

Darius kept his expression pleasant, but his voice dropped to a barely audible murmur. "How so?"

"I don't know. Just... off." Serenity's instincts were screaming warnings, but the medication made it difficult to articulate what she was sensing. "Keep an eye on her."

He gave a nearly imperceptible nod, then raised his voice to normal levels. "You should use the restroom before the council reconvenes. It could be a long session."

The code phrase—warning of potential danger—was immediately recognized by Lucian and Ronan, who adjusted their positions subtly. Ronan moved closer to the door while Lucian casually checked his phone, activating their emergency protocols.

"Of course," Serenity replied, rising with deliberate grace. "Elena, could you show me the way?"

The Beta nodded, leading her out of the anteroom and down a carpeted hallway. Serenity's mind worked furiously through the fog of medication and pre-heat symptoms, trying to identify what had triggered her alarm. Elena had been her father's most trusted security officer, the one person who had consistently supported Serenity's integration into the Vale empire.

Yet something about her demeanor today felt rehearsed, as if she were performing a role rather than fulfilling her duties.

"Here we are," Elena said, opening a door to a luxuriously appointed powder room. "Take your time. The council rarely makes hasty decisions."

Serenity entered, closing the door behind her and immediately checking the small space for surveillance devices. Finding none, she pulled out her phone to text Lucian, only to discover no signal. The Society's headquarters were apparently shielded—or more likely, her communications were being deliberately jammed.

She splashed cold water on her face, trying to clear the persistent fog from her mind. The medication was supposed to suppress her pre-heat symptoms, but it seemed to be doing something else entirely—dulling her reflexes, clouding her thoughts. Not the side effects Darius had described.

A suspicion took root.

What if the pill hadn't been what Darius claimed? What if?—

The bathroom door opened without warning.

Serenity spun around, automatically reaching for the concealed weapon at her back, but her movements were sluggish, uncoordinated. Elena stepped inside, followed by two men in dark suits she didn't recognize.

"I'm afraid there's been a change of plans, Ms. Vale," Elena said, her voice now stripped of its previous deference. "The council has decided your claim requires additional verification."

"What kind of verification?" Serenity asked, fighting to keep her voice steady as another wave of dizziness swept through her. She took a step back, her fingers closing around her gun, but before she could draw it, one of the men moved with surprising speed.

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