Forsaken’s POV
The dungeon under the pack hall wasn’t used often.
It didn’t need to be. Most wolves talked before they got this far.
The lead exile didn’t.
He sat chained to the stone wall, blood crusted on his jaw, staring at Ridah like she’d personally offended his ancestors.
“Leave us,” I told the guards.
They hesitated. Not because they doubted me. Because leaving Ridah alone with him felt wrong.
I met Ridah’s eyes. “You sure?”
She nodded. “I’m sure. If he breaks, it’ll be because of me.”
The guards left. The door slammed shut, echoing.
Ridah stepped forward. No fear. No hesitation. The gold in her eyes was faint now, but it was there. Controlled.
“You know why you’re here,” she said.
The exile spat on the floor. “To die. Like the rest of us.”
“No,” she said. “
