Benedict's POV
That explanation seemed reasonable enough. Seraphina would never touch my belongings without permission when I was away. Still, something nagged at me. One lock instead of two? That detail felt wrong. Maybe I was overthinking it.
The thought of starving my brother longer than planned weighed on my mind. I worried his hunger might have pushed him past his limits. Wolves could endure harsh conditions, but these weren't desperate times requiring such measures.
"Fine." I gestured dismissively. "You're dismissed."
The sentinel paused. Just a heartbeat too long. Like he sensed the tension radiating from me.
"I could remain here if you suspect anything might be missing." His tone was measured, cautious. "But I promise you, Alpha Benedict, nobody entered that room."
I manufactured a smile and let my shoulders drop. There it was again. That misplaced confidence in their basic competence. I deliberately relaxed my stance.
