Alpha Darius's POV
The crowd began to disperse after my announcement, people returning to their daily routines with the image of the impaled spy fresh in their minds. Good. That was exactly what I wanted.
Fear was a useful tool. It kept people in line, reminded them of the consequences of betrayal. The spy would hang there for three days before I allowed him to die, serving as a constant reminder to anyone who might consider crossing me.
I turned to head back into the packhouse, satisfied that the message had been delivered clearly. But as I scanned the dispersing crowd, my eyes caught sight of Clara standing near the bushes.
Her face was white as a paper sheet. Completely drained of color.
She looked like she was about to be sick again. I could see her hands trembling slightly as she
