Karl's POV
I stood in the darkness outside Elena Rodriguez's compound, my heart hammering against my ribs. This was insane. If anyone found out I was here, if Seraphina discovered I'd made contact with Maya's mother, I'd be executed for treason. But I was out of options.
"You have five minutes before my guards shoot you where you stand," Elena's voice came from the shadows. She emerged, flanked by two armed wolves, her expression cold and unforgiving. "Talk fast, Blackwood."
"I need your help," I said simply. "To stop Seraphina. And to save Maya from herself."
Elena laughed, but there was no humor in it. "You want me to help you? After what you and your brothers did to my daughter? After you tried to execute her?"
"I know." The words tasted like ash. "I know we failed her. Betrayed he
