Jake’s POV
I hadn’t been sleeping much lately.
Too many meetings. Too many wolves whispering. Too many looks I couldn’t read,not just from the council, but from Brielle.
Especially Brielle.
She was still here. Still sharp, still carrying herself like someone who didn’t bleed unless she meant to. But I’d seen the way her shoulders tightened when she thought no one was watching. I’d felt the hesitation in her voice when she said “we” instead of “I.”
I’d stood beside her at the edge of war,and now, somehow, I felt like the threat was coming from behind us.
And I didn’t know how to turn around fast enough to stop it.
She’d shown me the carving on her door.
He’ll destroy you before he ever truly loves you.
Arthur didn’t need an army. Not when he had words like that.
Not when he knew e
