Alaric
The journey back to my pack felt like walking to my own execution. Each step was heavier than the last, the weight of my failure pressing down on my shoulders like a physical burden. Dave remained silent beside me, but I could sense his unease. We both knew what awaited us at home wouldn’t be pleasant.
The sun was setting when we finally reached the Moonstone Pack territory. Elena was waiting at our house, pacing the floor of our private chambers. The moment I stepped through the door, her eyes locked onto mine, searching for hope that wasn’t there.
“Well?” she demanded, her voice tight with anticipation. “Where is she? Where’s Scarlett?”
I couldn’t meet her gaze as I sank into the nearest chair, my body feeling decades older than it was. “She won’t come.”
“What do you mean she
