Sergio’s POV
The night was quiet, almost too quiet without the ever-present figure of Alpha Anthony lurking nearby. I had done my research before coming back. I knew he wasn’t here. He had gone to secure alliances with another pack, no doubt thinking he was protecting her, keeping her safe. Foolish. He didn’t realize the real threat wasn’t external—it was me.
Elara stood by the riverbank, alone, her gaze fixed on the water as if she were lost in thought. She looked different, more confident, more powerful, but there was still that softness in her—naïve, trusting. The Elara I knew was still there, just buried under layers of newfound strength. I could work with that.
I stepped out from the shadows, letting the moonlight catch my form just enough for her to see me. Her head snapped up, an
