Elsa
As Claire and I tore through the forest, the realization of my fate settled in like a heavy weight. My life felt ruined. I knew, deep down, that I wouldn’t have the will to stop Lucas from claiming me once we arrived.
The heat had consumed me, and Claire was too far gone, determined to find solace in Lucas. Anger at Adam burned in my chest. How could he say such cruel things, hurt me so deeply, and expect me to just take it? There was even a part of me that felt he had mocked my vulnerability.
I thought of my father, of the Willow Pack, their faces etched in joy and gratitude. They had trusted me, counted on me to protect them, and now I had failed them. I could already see Adam’s wrath—his mean, cold side taking it out on the people I loved.
He could wipe them out, even though
