Lyla had made her choice.
There was no taking it back.
The moment the words left her lips “I’ll do it.” the energy in the air shifted. The forest responded, the ancient ruins trembled ever so slightly, and the Gate of Shadows pulsed.
She had accepted the Marked Ones’ challenge.
Now, she had to face whatever came next.
But as she stood there, feeling the weight of their expectant gazes both the Marked Ones’ approval and the pack’s unease a cold realization settled over her.
She wasn’t just fighting for leadership anymore.
She was fighting for who she was becoming.
And she wasn’t sure she liked the answer.
The pack wasn’t standing beside her anymore.
They were watching her.
From a distance.
Like they weren’t sure if she was still one of them.
Dani looked furious, her fists clenc
