KAIA
Elder Liam steps forward from the crowd—a gray-haired wolf I recognize from pack gatherings.
"We don't care why, Alpha. All we care about is that the killings stop. So give him what he wants. One omega for the safety of hundreds."
Murmurs of agreement spread through the crowd like wildfire.
"If the rumors are true and she's half-Fae," someone else calls out, "why should we die for enemy blood?"
More voices join in:
"He's right."
"Why should we die for her?"
"She's not one of us."
I don't flinch, even though their words hit like physical blows. This is what I expected. What I knew would happen.
Vincent lets them speak. Lets the anger and fear pour out into the open air. His expression doesn't change, doesn't react to the accusations.
When the voices finally die down, he rai
