I stared at him, breathless, heart-shattering under the weight of his words.
“I’m not leaving without you. Not now. Not ever.”
I wanted to believe him. Part of me did. But the other part—the wounded, bleeding girl who had lost everything to a pack of wolves—screamed in protest.
I crossed the distance between us slowly, my fists clenched, jaw tight. “Then tell me the truth, Ryker.”
His eyes flickered. “Nina—”
“No. No more games. No more dodging. Did you lead the raid on the Silver Thorn outpost eight years ago?”
The silence between us was a noose.
Ryker looked away. Just that small movement was enough.
“You did,” I whispered.
He looked back at me, agony etched into every line of his face. “It wasn’t what you think.”
“You were there.” My voice trembled. “You were there when they di
