I stood in front of Elias, my fists clenched at my sides. The weight of the moment pressed on me—this wasn't just another conversation. It was the first time I truly felt the need to take control of my destiny, to stand up for my independence in a way I had never done before. I had spent too long being tossed between the whims of two alphas, being a pawn in their game. Not anymore.
Elias’s eyes flickered with uncertainty as he watched me. I knew what he was thinking. He wanted to protect me, keep me safe from everything, especially Magnus. But I wasn’t a fragile damsel to be sheltered. I was stronger than he thought, and I wasn’t about to let my future be decided for me.
"I need you to understand something," I said, my voice steady but laced with the fire I could feel burning in my chest
