Aveline
The council building was a modern marvel of black stone and glass, nestled in the heart of Cardenas like a beast lying in wait. It wasn’t just a place for politics—it was power incarnate. Every inch of the towering structure exuded wealth, dominance, and unshakable authority.
I followed the guard up the curved marble steps, my eyes flicking up to the gilded insignia of the Bloodshade Pack etched into the massive double doors. Matteo’s world. His turf.
And for the moment… my prison.
Inside, it was cold. Sleek. The kind of place designed to make you feel small.
We entered a long, dimly lit room with a circular table at its center. Men in dark suits already occupied most of the seats—powerful men, each wearing the kind of expression that said they were used to giving orders, not
