“Liana, you can’t do this,” Draven's voice was raw, desperation cracking through his usual commanding tone. His wrists were raw from the silver shackles that bound him to the iron post at the center of the rival Alpha's courtyard. Blood dripped from a deep gash above his brow, but his eyes were fierce, locked onto mine as though sheer will alone could stop me from retreating.
"I have to." My voice wavered despite my best efforts to sound strong. "If I stay, they'll kill us both."
Draven strained against his bonds. "Then let them try. I'm not afraid to die with you."
I wanted to believe his defiant words, but the reality stood before me. Rogan, the rival Alpha, leaned casually against a stone pillar, his lips curling into a victorious smirk.
"Touching," Rogan drawled. "But I'm afraid yo
