Chapter 178: Treason?

RETH

Elia gasped and opened her mouth, but he shot her a look and she closed it with a snap. He took one step forward and nodded at Brant. "Ask me, I will answer anything," he said grimly.

Brant's face was a hard mask.  "Did you know your mate prior to the evening of the Rite of Survival?"

"Yes."

"How?"

"When we were cubs. I was ten when my parents sent me to the human world for safety. We were neighbors and became close friends."

"Was there a romantic link between you then?"

Elia made a small noise in her throat, but Reth's hand twitched and she stayed quiet. "None."

"Did you know she would be chosen at the human sacrifice for the Rite?" one of the females asked.

Reth shook his head. "I had no knowledge of her presence in anima until I stepped into the Circle that night."

"You recognized her?"

"By her scent."

The woman nodded.