*Not in the Bargain*
Caitlin’s heart pounded in her chest as she paced around her room. Her mother had just delivered the news—Arthur had been shot with a strange bullet, and his condition was grave. Her mind raced with confusion, anger, and something she didn’t want to admit to herself: guilt.
It wasn’t supposed to go this far. She never wanted to see Arthur in this state. All her plans, all her careful manipulation—none of it had involved this. She had wanted to hurt Elara, make her suffer, but Arthur? Her stepbrother? This wasn’t part of the plan.
Her mother’s voice echoed in her ears, warning her that the situation was dire. Dark magic was involved, and the pack was panicking. They had no idea how to save him, and if something wasn’t done soon, Arthur wouldn’t make it through the ni
