Meanwhile at Alaric’s Pack..
While Mira had successfully smuggled Silas out of the pack, Valerie remained behind, scheming. The chaos around her was nothing but noise—background static to the real prize: her coronation. And she would make it happen. *Soon.*
Valerie’s POV:
I stormed out of my father’s quarters, my vision blurred with furious tears. I had gone to him for guidance—for reassurance—but instead, he had given me a weapon.
His words slithered through my mind, venomous and slick:
*"You’re a woman, Valerie. A beautiful one. Use that. Make him want to speed this up."*
My hands clenched at my sides as I strode down the dimly lit hallway, my breath ragged. The implication was clear. I was nothing more than a bargaining chip, a tool to be wielded. But if that was the game
