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MATILDA'S POV

I sat on the edge of my bed, sipping my wine and staring at the wall. Kiara had left to find Hailey and Zac, and I was alone with my thoughts. The Elders' council meeting had been a success - they were all eating out of the palm of my hand, and Cedric was one step closer to becoming the Alpha.

But, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Zac was still out there, and Hailey... well, she was a wild card. I didn't know what she was capable of, but I knew she was a threat. And, I couldn't let her ruin my plans.

Cedric walked into the room, a smug look on his face. "Well, well, well. Look who's drinking alone?" He chuckled and sat beside me, taking the glass from my hand and sipping the wine. His eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a flutter in my chest.

I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my attraction. "You're not funny, Cedric."

He put his arm around me, pulling me close. "Oh, come on, Matilda. You're so tense all the time. You need to relax." His voice was low and husky,