NINA’S POV
Chase didn’t say much after I told him I was going through with the ritual. His mouth opened, shut, then opened again… almost like he was trying to find the right words and coming up empty every time. I hated the way his eyes wavered, not with anger, but fear. For me. And maybe for what would come after.
Beta Grant stood by the door like a silent sentinel. Eventually, Chase gave me one last look… one that said everything he didn’t dare speak aloud and turned away. His footsteps echoed too loudly in the room as he walked out. Even as he walked away, I told myself not to feel hollow at the sound. But I did.
Zane stayed. Of course he did.
He didn’t say a word, but he just stood beside Lelia as she crouched near the bowl of herbs and lit the incense. Flames crackled, casting cre
