Carter's POV
I had spent too much time falling apart.
Too much time drowning in regret.
Ruby was still out there. Still suffering.
And I was done doing nothing.
So I started looking.
for proof.
Something I could use.
Something that would bring him down.
Something that would get Ruby out.
Even if she still thought she didn’t need saving.
Because if Evie was right
If Jake really was controlling her, isolating her
Then she didn’t have a choice.
And I wasn’t leaving her alone in this.
Not again.
Not ever again.
I found my first real lead on the northern edge of the pack.
An older warrior.
Scarred. Worn. Careful.
He had been training the new recruits when I approached.
His gaze flicked over me, calculating.
"You’re the Moonshadow Alpha-in-training."
"That depends." I fol
