“Ione had devoted years of her life to him, sacrificing more than anyone knew. If he could cast that aside without hesitation, would he at least consider his Pack’s honor before letting this disgrace stain its legacy?”
“If you choose to be ruthless,” my father’s voice rang with quiet authority, “then don’t expect mercy from us.”
For the first time, my parents weren’t demanding my silence. They weren’t urging me to endure or to submit—they were standing with me. A rare, unfamiliar warmth settled in my chest, and for the first time in years, I allowed myself a small smile.
Days later, the Elder’s Scribe delivered the news. “Alpha Dashiell is relenting. But he requests a final meeting with you.”
A hollow laugh escaped me. “No. Whatever needed to be said has already been buried.”
And so,
