I studied her, searching for lies. But all I saw was genuine remorse and confusion.
"Aldric manipulated both of us," I said slowly. "He created the bond between Damien and me to control me. And created one between you and Damien to ensure I'd be replaced when the time came."
"Multiple insurance policies," Katherine muttered. "He was thorough."
"So what now?" Vivian looked at me. "I can't undo what I did. I can't take back the pain I caused. But I can leave. Go back to Shadowpine territory and never come back."
Part of me wanted that. Wanted her gone, away from my pack, away from Damien, away from the reminder of betrayal.
But another part, the part that had grown through death and rebirth, saw something else.
"You're as much a victim as I am," I said finally. "Aldric used you, contro
